Hendrik Quast
Spill Your Guts: Waiting Room Visions (2026)

Hendrik Quast has learned the art of ventriloquism to explore an underappreciated organ: the intestines. His own body becomes the setting of an artistic exploration of (chronic) illness and humor that pushes beyond taboos—with the artist literally speaking from the gut. In dialogue with his ailing ventriloquist dummy, Quast takes the audience on a metaphorical journey through the peculiarities and pathologies of the bowel and discusses shame, illness, and self-determination.

Hendrik Quast (1985, Celle, Germany) is a theater artist and performer. His work is characterized by a preference for topics that probe the boundaries of social taboos, an unconventional sense of humor, and meticulous research. His work has been presented at venues such as Sophiensæle, Berlin; Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm, Frankfurt am Main; Gessnerallee, Zurich; FFT Düsseldorf; RAMPE, Stuttgart; and Kampnagel, Hamburg. For several years now, Quast has focused primarily on the artistic exploration of disability, chronic illness, queerness, and classism, using comedy as a performative strategy. He lives in Berlin.

Produced by Hendrik Quast based on Spill Your Guts (2022), commissioned and coproduced by steirischer herbst ’26

German
For ages 14 and up
45 min.

Photo: David Coyle

Carmen Chraim
Almost Integrated (2026)

Sometimes the red flags in relationships closely resemble those in politics. With astute observations and sassy humor, Carmen Chraim guides the audience through political absurdities, workplace chaos, and dating disasters all the way to the everyday quirks of big-city life. Chraim describes herself as a “petite Arab woman” trying to survive and thrive in today’s world, combining stories from Berlin and her hometown of Beirut with verve and sarcasm.

Carmen Chraim (1988, Beirut, Lebanon) is a stand-up comedian who brings high energy, quick stories, and a love for sarcasm to every stage. In the past ten years, she has produced and toured with hit shows in Berlin and across Europe. Now part of the Queen Bees Comedy collective, Chraim’s bold humor and unique perspective on politics, love, and cultural differences have everyone laughing. She lives in Berlin.

Commissioned and produced by steirischer herbst ’26

English
For ages 14 and up
45 min.

Photo: atmaportrait

Hendrik Quast + Carmen Chraim

steirischer herbst/Hendrik Quast + Carmen Chraim

steirischer herbst
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Hendrik Quast + Carmen Chraim