An artistic parcours at Bears in the Park, Simmering. Free and open for all.
For the forth time, Bears in the Park invites everyone to a public gathering in Simmering. Quality Street is a curated mix of performance, reflection, and celebration.
We begin in the garden with a screening of “Bridges of Belonging” by Ukrainian dancer and choreographer Maria Shurkhal and Amin Ebrahimi. The film follows two young ballet dancers living through war — one in Kyiv, the other at the Vienna Opera Ballet School — and explores how conflict shapes identity, art, and connection. Maria will be present to introduce the film.
Next up in the Big Hall: Lîla Collective, connecting House with Contemporary Dance, followed by a bold performance by Helena Araújo who takes us to an emotional crisis center. After a short garden bar break, Schmusechor takes over with over 30 voices in concert.
Francesca Centonze opens an exhibition of site-specific contemporary works. Outside, Sambattac brings the energy with ten percussionists shaking the walls with Afro-Latin rhythms.
To close the night: a DJ-Set & Live Vocals by MALENCIAGA.
This program is about connection — artistic, political, human. At Bears in the Park, we believe gathering like this matters, especially now. Let’s share space, listen, and move together. Check out our past Quality Streets here.
Line-up:
- Film screening: Maria Shurkhal & Amin Ebrahimi
- Dance duet: Lîla Collective
- Performance: Helena Araújo
- Choir concert: Schmusechor
- Art exhibition: Francesca Centonze
- Drumming session: Sambattac
- DJ-Set & Live Vocals: DJ MALENCIAGA
Info:
- The entrance is free of charge
- Open from 7pm
- Unfortunatley our space is not accessible by wheelchair yet.
- Address: Eyzinggasse 12/2 1110 Vienna (entrance at corner Otto-Herschmanngasse)
Works:
Bridges of Belonging – short documentary film by Amin Ebrahimi and Maria Shurkhal
Taisiya and Fadei are two teenagers who share a dream of becoming ballet dancers. Due to the war, they left their hometown of Kharkiv to pursue professional training in Kyiv and Vienna. Navigating the challenges of displacement and the pursuit of their art, the two reflect on the invisible scars that war leaves on a young person and the sheltering role of art in their journey.
“With the kind support of the City of Vienna’s Department of Culture, the British Council, and the Ukrainian Institute as part of the UK/UA Creative Partnerships programme, in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Ukraine. The film is part of the Takflix Original x NOWNESS series.”
Patchworks – by Lio Jakob and Betty Pester aka Lîla Collective
Where do contemporary dance and House Dance begin and where do they end? How far can we go without losing the essence of the styles? ‘Patchworks’ goes in search of the “Sweet Spot” between House Dance and contemporary dance and tries to find a movement language in which the styles merge seamlessly. When Drama Knocks the Door – solo version
When Drama Knocks the Door – by Helena Araújo
When Drama Knocks the Door – solo version- is an unapologetic explosion of emotions in all their chaotic, theatrical glory. Set in an imaginary emotional crisis center, this cabaret-style performance swings between heartbreak and hilarity, embracing the absurdity of grief, joy, and everything in between. Through dance, storytelling, and outrageous theatricality, Helena Araujo navigates the spectacle of feeling too much, celebrating too-muchness, and turning breakdowns into breakthroughs.
SambAttac – the loud voice of Attac
SambAttac is the loud voice of Attac Austria. We bring enthusiasm and joie de vivre to demonstrations, protests and festivals – and everyone can join us.With Afro-Brazilian rhythms we are on the way to conquer the public. To encourage intellectual debate and critical thinking. And to create a piece of the world we want to live in. Here, now and tomorrow. Artistic director: Stefan Eibel
Schmusechor
Don’t act like you don’t know us! The Schmusechor – the most thrilling choir since the invention of harmony – is a sizzling blend of pop music, performance, haute couture, and pure passion. According to legend, it was founded about nine years ago in a shared bedroom in a Vienna flat, and today, it’s an unmissable part of the music scene. Under the artistic direction of Verena Giesinger – exceptional conductor, heartbeat, rhythm, and baton of the Schmusechor – the group delivers a spectacular range of brilliance that’s truly one of a kind.
MALENCIAGA – DJ Set & Live Vocals
Malika Fankha (MALENCIAGA) works internationally as a dancer, sound poet and DJ. Their sets are a sensuous journey full of textures, breezes and shivers, ranging from tearjerking amuse-gueules to protest anthems, from rapturous beats to percussive techno slappers, understanding each frequency as a practice of sonic activism and collective empowerment.
