The Facts
On October 12, 2026, Lisson Gallery announced that Marina Abramović's 'Balkan Erotic Epic. The Stage Version' will open on October 13, 2026, at Haus der Berliner Festspiele, inaugurating the 2026/2027 Performing Arts Season. Commissioned as part of the Berliner Festspiele's 75th anniversary programme, the production draws on the folklore, myths and erotic rituals of the Balkans, where the artist grew up. Bringing together singers, dancers and musicians, it explores the relationship between eroticism, spirituality and the body through a sequence of ritualistic scenes, reinterpreting traditional beliefs surrounding fertility, death and the natural world. The stage production extends Abramović's 2005 video work of the same name and follows 'Balkan Erotic Epic. The Exhibition,' presented at Gropius Bau from April to August 2026, which included historical and new works, film, sculptural installations and live performance.
The Signal
The commission underscores Abramović's continuing evolution from visual to performance art, reinforcing her institutional standing ahead of the production's Berlin run. For collectors, it highlights the sustained relevance of her practice, which remains a market benchmark for performance-based work. The 75th anniversary season also signals Berliner Festspiele's commitment to programming that bridges theater and visual art, positioning the city as a hub for experimental performance.
- Artists: Marina Abramović
- Galleries: Lisson Gallery
- Museums: Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Gropius Bau
- Locations: Berlin
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