In April 2025, the performative stage production Dream on (original German title: „das kannst du dir abschminken“) premiered at Ankersaal/Kulturhaus Brotfabrik in Vienna, marking the final outcome of the UNMASC! project.
Developed under the artistic direction of Danilo Jovanović, the performance was the result of an intensive 20-day creation process shaped by personal stories, collective reflection, and artistic experimentation. Dream on offered a sharp, yet humorous exploration of masculinity, gender norms, and queer perspectives, turning societal structures inside out through irony, absurdity, and emotional storytelling.
The piece featured diverse performers, including FLINTA* artists, and centered LGBTIQA+ voices to question normative ideas of gender and power. Through its unique approach – blending devised theatre methods with the Open Soul process – the production challenged toxic masculinity not by confronting it directly, but by playfully unraveling its contradictions and limitations.
Visually, the stage design drew on elements of tech culture, evoking themes of gendered labor and presence in male-dominated industries, while lighting and sound design deepened the work’s symbolic layering.
After three well-received performances in Vienna, Dream on continued its journey with an international presentation at ODA Theatre in Pristina, reaching new audiences and inviting critical dialogue across borders.
The project has now come to a close, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved – the performers, creative team, partners, and audiences – for their presence, energy, and trust throughout this meaningful process.
