Gretas Metamorphose

In Franz Kafka’s famous story “The Metamorphosis”, the main character, Gregor Samsa, wakes up one morning and finds himself transformed into a beetle. The whole family is distraught; no one knows how this could have happened. And whilst all eyes are on Gregor, no one pays any attention to his sister Grete, who fulfils her role as a female supporting character in an unassuming and inconspicuous manner. In the end, Gregor is dead and Grete is to be married; whether she likes this future - no one has asked her that yet… until now.

Theatre artist Edith Nana and her team tell Kafka’s story from a female perspective: Grete undergoes a transformation and steps out of the shadows. Aligned with Milena, who shares the fate of a marginal character in Kafka’s oeuvre, she takes her future into her own hands. The women’s* metamorphosis is made possible by a simple question: Why are you crying?

In a theatrical and sensual parcour, Edith reimagines the story of Grete Samsa and presents her own perspective on the events. Drawing closely on the stories of Grete, Milena, other women, and a few female insects, the audience moves through a space that lies between dream and reality, science and literature, amidst moving images and the supposed ‘reality’ captured on celluloid. In a blend of performance and installation, participants experience what it means to be a woman*. Supporting characters finally take their place on stage.

Seating is available. Prior knowledge of Kafka’s works is not required.

Afterwards, we invite you to join a discussion about the experience. Together we will transform the stage into a place of encounter.