How do we profit from debt? Can we somehow get rid of it? In an installative trail over several rooms, Julian Hetzel investigates the concept of debt. Strikingly and surprisingly, he demonstrates the different types of indulgence trade between beauty clinic and soap production.

Schuld und Schulden, guilt and debts – these terms are inextricably linked: Guilt as a moral obligation, debt as an economic obligation mutually duplicate each other. Julian Hetzel’s “Schuldfabrik” examines this conflict and the fact that even at birth we receive a rucksack full of historical or religious events as baggage – a collective guilt for something that we ourselves have not caused.

Starting with his own, very personal “debt package”, for steirischer herbst, Hetzel builds a trail with different options for exploring the various aspects of debt – and perhaps even for paying it off. The audience enters a concept store, a beauty clinic, a confessional and a soap factory. Can you simply cleanse yourself of pain, or do you have to feel guilty for it afterwards? The raw materials used in this performative installation are guilt and debt, processed, produced and made into objects. There are several ways in, but no way out: Once you go into the production methods of the “Schuldfabrik”, there are no more excuses.

Utrecht-based German artist Julian Hetzel works at the interface between theatre, performance and visual art. He combines documentary approaches with political dimensions. He was invited by steirischer herbst to develop the “Schuldfabrik” project. Playful, provocative and always surprising, he brings the collective obligation to remember, into a dialogue with the individual right to forget.

Konzept / Idee: Julian Hetzel
Dramaturgie: Miguel Angel Melgares
Produktion: Jasper Hupkens
Technik: Colin Kassies
Mitwirkende / Mitwirkender: Julian Hetzel
Regie: Julian Hetzel

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