Schällewiiber

**Between patriarchal traditions and queer tragedy**

In the hilly landscape of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, the bells of the New Year's Eve bells resound. On their ornately decorated hats, the masked figures, who move around in small groups, called Schuppeln, carry stories that tell of life in the provinces. So much for the Appenzell tradition ... But a Schuppel tells a different story. One that is not expected here, but belongs here just as much as the story of logging and skiing.

It is the story of a lesbian love that flares up turbulently and finally "wishes" to perish. Astrid lives in Zurich and Rosalie on her parents' farm. The encounter between the two women seems to be a kindred spirit and the first exciting amour fou. But soon background noise creeps into love. Astrid and Rosalie are faced with many questions. How much closeness can the relationship tolerate? Who tells you when it's time to leave the relationship? How do you know that love shouldn't hurt? What do you do when the creepy sides get out of hand?

The story is accompanied by the musical "Chicken", who observes and comments on everything. Can "Disco Chick" save the lovers and balance the beautiful and the "desired" in the story?

Based on this failing relationship, the trio Pop-Up Mountain Company, consisting of Leander Albin, Asa Hendry and Rosanna Rotach, sheds light on the conflicts and contradictions of queer lifestyles between city and country in "Schällewiiber". Can the evil spirits be driven away – as in the custom of the New Year's Eve lice in Appenzell – and what is hidden behind the "desired" grimaces? Between patriarchal lines of tradition and queer tragedy, the performance interweaves a coming-of-age story with local rites. An aesthetic friction arises that makes the invisible visible and opens up space for coming together.

*For the concept and development of the piece, the group was awarded the Swiss Young Talent Award PREMIO 2025. A co-production with the Chur Theatre. In collaboration with Gessnerallee Zurich, Roxy Birsfelden and Schlachthaus Theater Bern.*