Open Studio: Tjijandjeua ‘Gift’ Uzera & Fatemeh Dehnamak
The Iranian theatre and film maker Fatemeh Dehnamak is researching her new project ‘Rebellion’ during her residency at HELLERAU. As director of the Nesyan Theatre Group in Tehran, which focuses on the performative form of documentary theatre, Fatemeh Dehnamak wants to explore and question the power dynamics in romantic love.
During his residency at HELLERAU, Namibian performer and interdisciplinary artist Tjijandjeua ‘Gift’ Uzera will be researching his project ‘Rhythm Reborn’, a research-based performance that explores the development of traditional Herero dance. He examines how colonial education and the dominance of Western dance have marginalised indigenous movements in Namibia and how contemporary performance can serve as a space for the reclamation and further development of traditional dances.
In a joint Open Studio, the two artists will provide insights into their respective work. They will talk about their artistic practice or share excerpts from their rehearsal processes. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to give feedback or ask questions.
Duration: ca. 2 h
Language: English
Registration via:
Janka Dold
Residency program
dold@hellerau.org
In co-operation with the Theatertreffen Berlin and the Goethe Institut.
Fatemeh Dehnamak was born in Iran. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Dramatic Literature from Soore University of Tehran and courses in filmmaking and Documentary Theatre, she explores the untold narratives of women, history, and society. Leading the female-driven Nesyan Theatre Group, she provides a voice for overlooked topics. As a dedicated storyteller, she continues delving into real-life stories and is currently working on her first fiction feature film. At 28, she is proud to already have made an impact as an Iranian artist.
Tjijandjeua ‘Gift’ Uzera is a Namibian performer and interdisciplinary artist working across dance, theatre, music, and film. His work explores queerness, decolonization, and cultural memory, using performance to challenge societal norms and reimagine history. He holds a Bachelor’s in Music Studies, Dance, and Psychology from the University of Namibia (2017). Uzera’s projects include “Rhythm Reborn,” in 2024 on the evolving Herero dance, “Unwritten Archives,” in Munich on the Herero-Nama genocide, and “Hereroland,” at the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, 2020, and 2023 in Namibia. He has also acted in the movies “Hand-Holder,” on Showmax, and “Der Vermessene Mensch,” both released in 2023. His work was featured in “ENTANGLED,” 2024–March 2025, an exhibition at the Rhodes Trust, Oxford University.
