Am I comfortable enough?

The performance “Am I comfortable enough?” is a critical examination of patriarchal culture and its imposition of standards on women. To be "accepted," women are expected to look and behave in a certain manner, suppressing assertiveness, aggression, persistence, and the expression of personal opinions and boundaries - to be convenient. The performance's creators think that "comfortable" is a characteristic of furniture, not people.

The aim of the project is not only to highlight the deeply ingrained stereotypes and expectations placed on women but also to foster a dialogue about gender equality, respect, and the recognition of women's rights to express their emotions, opinions, and establish personal boundaries without fear of judgment or rejection. This performance seeks to challenge and provoke thought about the societal norms that confine women's roles and identities, encouraging a reevaluation of what it means to be "convenient" in a gendered context.

TEAM:

Director: Anja Demidova

Assistant Director: Daria Shubina

Costume designer: Venera Kazarova

Composer: Galina Altman

Choreographer: Alexander Andriyashkin

PR: Ira Posrednikova

Producer: Yara Ziva-Chernova

Sound und licht: Sasha Anjelo

Performers: Marina Kurochka, Mari Yasinover, Maria Beatty, Mikhail Poliakov

Following the performance, we will host a discussion that will focus on critical issues surrounding women and safety, particularly addressing the pervasive problem of domestic violence. A significant part of our discussion will highlight the trial of Quandyq Bishimbaev for the murder of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, a case that has not only drawn widespread attention in Kazakhstan but also resonated internationally. This tragic event has sparked vital conversations about the urgency of protecting women's rights and the need for stringent measures against domestic violence.

Our panel of speakers includes:

• Alina Yessimbekova, Graphic designer and co-author of the project "Women of Central Asia". Alina's work explores the feminist movement in Central Asia and the struggle for women's rights through experimental graphics and art objects. The project also highlights outstanding stories about local women.

• Diana Qauan-Serik, Founder of two feminist clubs in Astana. Diana has a diverse academic and professional background, including mechanical engineering, physics, and IT. She is a passionate advocate for women's rights and has actively promoted gender equality through her feminist clubs "FemEra" and "FemTendik".

• Ksenia Meshkova, Researcher and lecturer in gender studies. Ksenia has focused on various forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, femicides, and workplace sexual harassment since 2013.

• Symbat Serikova, Specialist in Digital Political Communications at the German Bundestag. Symbat has a rich background in international relations and digital communications, having organized peaceful demonstrations against domestic violence and worked with organizations like UNICEF and the German Bundestag.