Dorothea Schlegel Artist-in-Residence

December 2025

Towards New Languages

Working at the crossroads of Surrealism and free jazz, and drawing on the orality and spirituality of the Luba people, Fiston Mwanza Mujila and Pablo Gīw have invented a sonic and poetic universe in order to rethink power relationships and deconstruct forms of domination and hegemony. War, colonialism, cultural appropriation, exploitation and racism are themes that punctuate this performance, the form of which is reminiscent of the altered states of consciousness encountered in trance and possession rites. Screams, songs, animal and organic sounds, incantations, preachings, parables, improvisations, collages and repetitions all contribute to creating a space of generosity and possibility.

Fiston Mwanza Mujila writes poetry, prose and plays and teaches African literature at the University of Graz. He publishes mainly in French. His debut novel Tram 83 (2016) received numerous awards, including the International Prize for Literature (ILP) from the Haus der Kulturen der Welt. In 2024, he was awarded the Preis der Literaturhäuser and was shortlisted for the National Book Award. In addition to his work as an author and performer (collaborating with jazz musicians), he is active as an agent and editor of African literature. Mujila lives and works in Graz.

Events & Format

• FESTIVAL: Surreal Continuum (2025)