PERMANENT DESTRUCTION - THE HM CONCERT

Permanent Destruction - The HM Concert is inspired by and based on the work of German playwright Heiner Müller. Visuals are by photographer / sculptor Jan Hoek. The show has won countless accolades in the press for its bold combination of biting lyrics, danceable tunes and pounding beats. 

This performance confronts the uncompromising work of German writer and director Heiner Müller. Velissariou finds a radical manner to express what for her is the essence of Müller's work - dissecting themes of misogyny, sexism and feminist extremism. To her, a theatrical concert offers the ultimate means for shining a light on them. 

Permanent Destruction - The HM Concert is the second part of a post-dystopian music theatre trilogy that tackles taboos in our current image culture. We avoid things like heartbreak and misogyny because they’re not sexy or Instagram-worthy. You can't build a profile on an expression of pain. Or, can you? 

Naomi Velissariou shows us that you can diffuse fear by honouring it; that if you want the weight to fall of your shoulders you just have to dance to the tune and rhythm of your pain. The music - which ranges from techno to rap, hardcore and punk - is a pounding embodiment of a dark message - or as the band calls it, "melodrama on speed". 

NB: Strobe lighting is used in this performance.