Viewing love not merely as a static thing, but a mutable action imbued with political power — it’s this that the “Love is a Verb” festival invites you to do. Taking place from April 12th to April 21st, 2024, the multi-layered event will unfold across Berlin’s HAU1 to HAU4, boasting an impressive lineup of artists and thinkers, including Jumoke Adeyanju, Lia Becker, Melanie Bonajo, Ali Chahrour, Ivo Dimchev, Wen Hui, Suzanne Lacy, Twin Shadow, Isabel Lewis, Ligia Lewis, Sarah Vanhee and many more. The initiative behind “Love is a Verb” seeks to transcend conventional notions of love and delve into transformative modes of connection. In an era marked by global crisis, it becomes increasingly evident how vital it is to view love as an active practice that extends beyond romantic relationships, enabling us to navigate contradictions and envision new forms of togetherness.
At the heart of the festival lies the “Vessel of Love,” a space crafted by Sophie Utikal and conceptualized by Diane Esnault and Shaly López. Here, ideas surrounding transformative relationships are shared, debated and celebrated through different mediums, including concerts, performances, lectures and discussions. In addition to artistic productions, the festival offers digital projects and interactive experiences at HAU4. “Love is a Verb” is a space to explore the politics of love and ways to coexist harmoniously. It serves as a poignant reminder that love transcends mere sentiment; it is a dynamic force that empowers us to evolve collectively and shape the world around us.
Text: Hilka Dirks / Photos: Jamila Kae, Carl Halal & HAU
HAU Hebbel am Ufer, Stresemannstr.29, 10963 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Love is A Verb 12.–21.04.2024. / HAU1, HAU2, HAU3, HAU4. The whole program & tickets are available here.
@hauberlin
