Playing Birthday Games (Alone)
2026

Performance

Documentation: 4K Video, Sound

“Playing Birthday Games (Alone)” is a performative adaptation of individual games typically played in a group at children’s birthday parties. The work adopts these game concepts but transforms them by removing the group as a core component and allowing only a single person to act as the participant. The sequence of events remains the same across the various games; the participant is responsible for setting up and carrying out the game.

Games in early childhood have a significant psychological impact on development. Through action, reaction, and interaction, children learn social interaction based on predefined rules. Often, the goal of winning and the associated reward take center stage; at the same time, however, success is also made possible and experienced through cooperation.

What happens when a single person must follow rules that normally require the interaction of two or more people? Do actions remain static, or do dynamics emerge nonetheless? The performance invites reflection on rules, community, and the role of the individual within it.

Supported by the BFF Förderpreis

→ Video summary

Fadenspiel, 00:27 Min.

Zeitungstanz, 03:59 Min.

Flaschendrehen, 00:29 Min.

Topfschlagen, 05:13 Min.

Mumie, 09:46 Min.

Händeturm, 00:33 Min.

Stopptanz, 04:22 Min.

Stuhltanz, 05:04 Min.

Schokoladenspiel, 04:35 Min.