In an autofictional musical, Sheena McGrandles interweaves personal experiences with myths and narrations from ancient and contemporary times, in order to speculate about our possible futures and the role of reproduction. Together with a temporary collective of Berlin artists, DAWN explores different perspectives on parenthood and the power of the child as a symbol of hope. Where does the human need to create a family come from? Which bodies may and can reproduce, how and where? What wishes do we project onto a child who, as part of a new generation, could permanently change our current society with its classic family constructs and role distributions?

Four bodies on the edge of fertility enter into a dialogue with Dawn, a Goddess with rosy fingers, that opens the gates of heaven for the Sun-God to rise. At sundown, this Goddess dies, only to be reborn again the next morning. Together with a small choir of childless people, they create an experimental musical that combines concert, spoken word and performance into a multi-layered and humorous artistic work. 

EXHIBITION: Don’t Mother Me!
In addition to the science fiction musical DAWN, the exhibition Don’t Mother Me! in Studio 16 next door shows a series of works that provide further perspectives on the topic of parenthood and family. What kind of bodies are able or intended to reproduce? Who or what decides this? If your career depends on you to be “free”, mobile and single, in which ways can you be a parent and still an artist? And in what ways can you insist in doing family differently? What kind of new hope does reproduction make possible? Is the child a hopeful figure? And if so, what responsibility should it hold toward the future? The exhibit on reproductive labor and reproductive futurism is open before and after the shows of DAWN, as well as during intermission. It takes place at Studio 16, Heizhaus/Uferstudios (entrance through the café) and admission is free.

The event lasts a total of about 2.5 hours and is family friendly. It takes place outside and inside. Part of it is a two-hour performance indoors with a short break, in which all audience members have to leave the room. During the performance it is mandatory to wear a medical mask. The main language is English spoken language. There are no abrupt light changes or surprising effects. Comfortable chairs, mats on the floor and one beanbag are available for seating. There is free choice of seats. The two wheelchair spaces and one beanbag seat can be reserved by phone or booked via the online ticket shop or at the box office if available. After the performance, it is possible to stay in the café or in the courtyard of Uferstudios for about another hour. The entire area is wheelchair accessible. The accessibility information will be continuously updated. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Gina Jeske at or 030 27 89 00 35.