Harms’ Fault!

About the performance:

The accordion as an instrument. The accordion as a tool. The accordion as a machine. The accordion as a mechanism that drives the social system. In fact, not just the accordion. At the heart of the performance is an original instrument, a composition of accordions, bellows, pipes, analogue mechanisms, doll parts, midi technology, and clocks without hands. This complex orchestrion brings to life Harms’ “Old woman” story and other known and unknown themes, which in the blink of an eye transform from atmospheric lite motifs into sarcastic executions of gentle characters, creating a constant contrast of moods and themes. Harms’ illogical machine smashes glass, plays symphonies, triggers narratives, stories, and, above all, incidents from one of the last representatives of Russian avant-garde, Daniil Shardam Kharms Dandan Harmonius (… or whoever).

Harms met a tragic end, succumbing to starvation in prison on charges of “anti-Soviet activism.” In his hometown, his mural was removed in 2022. Because it is his fault! For nothing.

About the author:

Matija Solce, a renowned and award-winning puppet director, actor, traveling puppeteer, musician, as well as festival organiser and activist. In his works he closely connects music and theatre, breaking stereotypes about puppet theatre and establishing it as the most open theatrical form. He believes that art can change society if we allow it to operate outside our comfort zone. With a coffin full of bones and an accordion, he has travelled the world several times, experiencing venues as extreme as prisons, ashrams, people’s living rooms, and large halls of international festivals.