Annie Sprinkle & Beth Stephens

Venue: HAU1

Part of “Love is a Verb #2”

Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens — the internationally renowned lesbian artist and activist duo and pioneering icons of radical feminist and queer art — are back in Berlin! With fire, desire and an ecosexual declaration of love to the earth.

“Playing with Fire: An Ecosexual Emergency” is a life-affirming ecosexual documentary made from the ashes of the devastating fires in California. When lightning sets fire to the redwood forest surrounding Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens' home in Boulder Creek, the long-time partners are forced to leave their home. They transform their loss and grief into ecosexual art, in which they see fire as destructive, regenerative and erotic, merging humor, community care, social justice and environmental awareness into a lush and fiery journey of transformation.

From an ecosexual perspective, in which the earth becomes a lover, the film meets firefighters, artists, scientists, neighbors, and other people who cultivate their very own relationships with fire.

Albert, the mythical white peacock from Boulder Creek, is the narrator of the film, which culminates in a ceremonial “wedding with fire” on the riverbank in the middle of the redwoods. “Playing with Fire” is a creative and urgent call to action in the face of the worsening climate crisis and at the same time a powerful portrait of queer resilience in a world that is ablaze.

After the film, Annie Sprinkle and Beth Stephens invite you to take part in a called “Ecosexual Wedding Ritual to Fire,” an ecosexual wedding ritual for the fire, together with some fiery ecosexuals. Everyone is invited to be a bride or groom and take the vow together to love, honor, and cherish the fire. Or simply to be a witness. Beth and Annie will guide you through the ceremony, Joy Brooke Fairfield through the program. There are fiery performances, a bridal bouquet, wedding rings for everyone and surprises. Everyone is cordially invited to dress in accordance with the theme and colors of the fire.

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There are two marked parking spaces in front of the house. Access to the parquet floor is possible via a separate entrance with lift. Barrier-free sanitary facilities available.