etb English
Theatre
Berlin International Performing Arts Center

FALLA
Variation of phalla, for what is phallic, as a feminine inclination of the phallo, the phallus.
Falla, in Spanish, like a failure, fault, the original fault or the something missing, but also like an opening, a crack, a fissure.
Falla, in Catalan, from the latin facula, ”torch”. As an incendiary matter, something to be set on fire…

Throughout history, female gender identity has often been narrowly defined by the lack of the phallus. Julia B. Laperrière addresses this problematic idea from a queer feminist perspective using the strap-on dildo as transformative tool:  how does it feel to have/wear a penis? How does it affect the way one moves? What power does it confer on the one who bears it? In collaboration with musician Pia Achternkamp, FALLA offers an invitation to playfulness, an incursion in the in-between that puts forth a vision of female sexuality that is alternative, liberated and unashamed.

Julia B. Laperrière (all pronouns) is a French-Canadian choreographer and performer based in Berlin. Working from a queer feminist perspective, she is interested in a dance that is generous, lately looking at dangerous dances and possibilities for new intimacies. Julia’s latest works (Falla, Falla VR, Swivel Open and Dangereuses) are currently touring in Germany, France, Canada and Norway. She has also taught in various places, including the CCN d’Orléans, Tanzfabrik Berlin, Radialsystem and the University of Osnabrück. Since 2023, Julia is a board member of ZTB e.V., where her volunteer work focuses on issues such as the precarity of artistic work, political representation, reform of the subsidy system, accessibility, mediation and similar topics.

Pia Achternkamp (aka “loh”) is a composer working at the crossroads of music, performing arts, language and fine arts. Curious about the interdependencies in sound, space, movement and dialogue, Pia usually performs her music live on stage when working in the context of performing arts. She has presented her work in HAU Berlin, Maxim Gorki Theatre and ACUD with Asaf Hameiri and at Volksbühne Berlin with the Future Witchcraft Project. With her solo project loh, Pia is exploring the power of endless repetition and minimal variations. Pia is part of a few bands: CHRUCH | grau& | Mildred | Pomel