“The performance “Alexander*a” reflects Kollontai’s spirit and allows audiences to reflect on how we can resist existing norms and rethink traditional family institutions. Within this performance, we invite viewers to look at events from 100 years ago from today’s perspective — diving into conversations about war, freedom, sex, and gender inequality, and drawing attention to women political prisoners.”
“We address what to do when familiar realities are in ruins, inviting you to reflect on this together. Directed by Vika Privalova, a coordinator and activist of the Feminist Anti-War Resistance, and supported by a team of intersectional feminists and multidisciplinary artists, the project aims to challenge societal norms and promote peace.”
Why should we all watch “Alexander*a” today?
“We must open wide the gates of comprehensive life for women, temper their hearts, and fortify their will. It is time to teach women to take love not as the foundation of life, but merely as a step, as a way to reveal their true ‘self.'”
— Alexandra Kollontai, “Love and the New Morality”
How do we resist existing norms? How can we challenge the institutions of family? How do we find the strength for radical tenderness, and how can we practice love as a political act?
This is a conversation about freedom, love, and justice, and how these concepts can intertwine and manifest in the fabric of society.
The performance bridges the past and the future, urging the audience to engage in dialogue and reminding them of the great ideas, many of which remain sensitive to this day. In a world where one conflict follows another, women* (and FLINTA* -persons) are forming anti-war movements and creating horizontal networks of support, while patriarchal structures increasingly falter and fail. All of us need to explore the perspectives of this unapologetic feminist.
Who was Alexandra Kollontai?
Female diplomat or the “Valkyrie” of the Revolution?
Marxist feminist or “woman of loose morals”?
It was all Alexandra Kollontai.
Passionate soul.
Critics and supporters alike called Alexandra many names, but they agreed on one thing — Kollontai was a rebel who believed in the ideals of equality and fought fiercely for them.
Almost forgotten in Russia, the revolutionary is known around the world as the theorist of Marxist feminism and a female diplomat.
Personal is political.
The performance leads the audience through the labyrinths of memory: Through the diaries, recollections, and theoretical works. As the audience delves into Alexandra’s biography, personal experiences, and life’s twists and turns, they witness the emergence of groundbreaking ideas in a 20th-century woman, and how these ideas shaped history, the struggle for equality, and the sexual revolution.
The representation of women* in politics is alarmingly low and has always been unjust. Despite forming half the population, their voices and perspectives remain underrepresented in decision-making processes.
The project is provocative
The image of Alexandra continues to provoke both interest and controversy, particularly due to her views on what free (non-bourgeois) love should be. Some attribute to her the idea that sex is as much a need as a glass of water, while others find her reflections on Eros sensitive and romantic. The performance about a historical figure resonates with the questions on love, tenderness, open relations, and formats of family – the questions we are still dealing with today.
Alexandra Kollontai was a pioneering figure in the early Soviet government, advocating for women’s rights and sexual liberation. However, her relationships with men often overshadowed her political achievements, leading to scandalous gossip that labelled her promiscuous rather than recognizing her contributions to socialism and feminism.
The project is feminist and educational.
Kollontai approached feminism through a class lens: while women of the elite fought for the right to work, Alexandra emphasized the need for safe working conditions for female labourers. For instance, she advocated for menstrual leave and state support for mothers.
The issues we are still discussing today, right?
This project is a multimedia and multi-layered
In addition to the performance, there will be discussions and workshops that will serve an educational purpose. We invite you to follow the program and more insights on “Alexander*a” in Instagram account.
We address what to do when familiar realities are in ruins, inviting you to reflect on this together.
Additionally, we have workshops and letter-writing evenings planned for female political prisoners—stay tuned for announcements on our Instagram!
About the director and team
Directed by Vika Privalova, a coordinator and an activist of the Feminist Anti-War Resistance, and supported by a team of intersectional feminists and multidisciplinary artists, the project aims to challenge societal norms and promote peace.
The team of creators consists of artists, producers and actors who were forced to leave Russia for political reasons. The team shares the values of intersectional feminism and supports FLINTA* individuals.
When?
Premiere of the performance “Alexander*a” on
October 24, October 25, December 19, December 20.
Where? Ballhaus Prinzenallee
Prinzenallee 33, 13359 Berlin
How?
Language: English, Russian, and partially with German subtitles
Tickets: interkulturellaktiv.vbotickets.com/event/alexander-a/136207
Short link: https://rb.gy/vymz59
Instagram Project: www.instagram.com/kollontai.project
A part of the ticket sales will be donated to support female* political prisoners.
