Wind of Change

Every second, somewhere in the world, a woman is put on a rollercoaster – blindfolded, without warning or consent. The ride lasts for years. We’re talking about between 1 and 15 years.

Most women don’t know what’s happening to them. They do not know what is wrong with them or how extensive the catalogue of possible symptoms is. Shame and fears dominate the topic of the menopause. Suffering, hiding, pretending. Ageing? Not me. Is the menopause the end of womanhood? And what comes next? Whilst the pharmaceutical industry floods the market with all manner of products, women are left alone with their struggles. ‘WIND OF CHANGE’ is about articulating the experience of inhabiting bodies that are constantly affected by processes of change. It is about bringing these images of the body into sharp focus. Abelein and Zwach also look to the future, however. What strategies can they and other women employ to secure appreciation, attention and rights for their bodies?

‘WIND OF CHANGE: A Special on the Least Funny Topic in the World’ by Sabrina Zwach in collaboration with Susanne Abelein is an evening exploring the menopause, the transformative processes of the female body and ageing. The monologue, performed with wit and verve by Susanne Abelein, plays with the tools of stand-up comedy whilst remaining theatre. Abelein and Zwach have found a way to talk about the ‘least funny topic in the world’ in a very funny way, whilst also moving the audience, informing them, breaking taboos and allowing for shame.

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Credits

Text Sabrina Zwach in collaboration with Susanne Abelein
Direction Sabrina Zwach
Performance Susanne Abelein
Costumes & Photos Nic Tillein
Music Polina Lapkovskaja
Lighting & Technical Support Ueli Kappeler
Video Editing Christian Eckstein
Production Management H&K BühnenGlück Produktionen

Co-production Fabriktheater Rote Fabrik Zurich