THE TAIL

THE TAIL is a new performance installation by MAISON the FAUX. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, it explores themes of transformation, identity, and the personal sacrifices we make to be true to ourselves.

A collaborative and multidisciplinary experience

This multidisciplinary work is created in close collaboration with artists Diamanda Dramm, Dae Uk Kim, Anto López Espinosa, Oriana Ikomo, Bien De Moor, and Luthfi Darwis. It blends music, fashion, performance, scenography, video, and visual art into one immersive experience.

Queer empowerment and selfhood

Importantly, THE TAIL reimagines the archetype of the mermaid. It challenges traditional narratives and explores the complexities of selfhood and autonomy. Drawing on the queer subtext present in many versions of the mermaid myth, the piece positions the mermaid as a symbol of personal change and queer empowerment.

Visitors are invited to take part in live activations of the scenography. These interactive elements make each person part of the evolving narrative.

Evening performance and flexible arrival time

The experience unfolds over the course of an evening, between 18:00 and 20:00. Performers guide the audience through a durational live performance in different spaces of the installation. Visitors are welcome to join at any time between 18:00 and 20:00. Arriving before 19:00 ensures you can experience all parts of the installation in full.

In collaboration with Framer Framed, a public programme will offer further opportunities for audiences to engage with and reinterpret the themes of THE TAIL. These events will encourage reflection and conversation around identity, transformation, and representation.

Credits

Performance, set and fashion design: MAISON the FAUX | composition and sound creation: Diamanda La Berge Dramm | dramaturgy: Friederike Schubert | sirens: Anto López Espinosa, Oriana Ikomo & Bien De Moor | video content: Luthfi Riadi | text: MAISON the FAUX, Diamanda Dramm and Friederike Schubert | art–objects: Dae Uk Kim | atelier: Marloes Dadswell and Sophie Ordo | technical production: Martijn van Nunen | installation build: Jarle Veldman and Giel van den Berg | light design & installation programming: Cris Mollee | sound design: Peter Zwart | additional sound arrangements: YoungWoman | MAISON the FAUX assistant: Klaar Straatman | MAISON the FAUX interns: Megan Isabelle de Blecourt and Roy Adriaens | producers NITE & Framer Framed: Floortje Halters and Jean Medina

Campaign credits

Photography: Dion Bal | light asssitant: Eugene Berkovski | talent: Adama at Models Rock Agency | make-up: Marly van den Bosch at House of Orange | hair: Eldrigde Mullenhof

THE TAIL is co-commissioned by Framer Framed and NITE, and co-produced by Framer Framed, NITE, and This is Not an Office.

Premiere dates and locations

THE TAIL will premiere at Machinefabriek in Groningen, home to NITE and Club Guy & Roni, on 10 and 12 June. After that, THE TAIL moves to Framer Framed in Amsterdam for thirteen performances, where it runs from 20 June to 12 July, with the installation being open until 17 August.