The six-day play in Prinzendorf in August 1998 illustrated that the Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries, which Nitsch has consistenly developed in the course of 40 years, is an absolutely authentic Austrian or Central European contribution to international Action Art. Nitsch’s actions illuminate deep-seated regions of our psyche and articulate crucial parts of Austria’s intellectual history. This six-day play, just before the dawn of the new millennium, also constituted a final attempt to create an avant-garde synthesis of art. This exhibition allows us to take a detached look at, and perceive the aura of, the relics and tools used in the Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries and its domestic and international media coverage.
   Nitsch combines medieval passion plays and the spontaneous vitality and sensuality of traditional village celebrations with newly interpreted, demonically designed forms of ancient Mediterranean salvation and fertility rituals as well as collective ceremonies involving sacrifices. Pagan, Christian and Nietzschean concepts are radically re-interpreted so as to be able to analyze the functions of artistic activities and processes of artistic creation.

He was born in Vienna in 1938. In 1957 he created the concept of the Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries. Between 1960-66 he had actions and exhibitions in Vienna. In 1974 the performance of the 50th action lasted 24 hours. In 1984 the 80th action lasted 72 hours. He has been teaching at the Academy of Visual Arts in Frankfurt from 1989. In 1995 he worked as decorator and co-director for the production of Massenet’s “Hérodiade” at the Viennese Staatsoper. From 1996 on he has had several actions, exhibitions, lectures, and concerts in various European, US, and Australian cities. In 1998 he had the Six-day play in Prinzendorf. He has continued his active involvement in the Theatre of Orgies and Mysteries.

By generous permit of © Mr. Hermann Nitsch

Entrance to the exhibition