Valentin Schwerdfeger

Valentin Schwerdfeger is a German-Romanian transdisciplinary performer working at the intersection of visual arts, cultural studies and physical theatre. In his work, he explores discourses on identity and masculinity, balancing social impact with the potential for absurd humour. A recurring focus is on the connection between the body, digital technology and the ‘Aesthetics of Access’ as an artistic practice aimed at breaking down barriers. For his performance in *Bakchen – die verlorene Generation* at Theater Dortmund (directed by Julia Wissert), he was nominated for Best Emerging Artist in 2023. Until 2019, he was a member of the ensemble at Junges Theater Leverkusen. In 2021, he founded the digital collective Fake Friktion. Together with Meret König and Charlie Wyrsch, he is a co-founder of the physical theatre company STICKY FRAGMENTS, which develops interdisciplinary works spanning installation, performance, digital technology and physical theatre. There is a particular focus on multisensory experiential spaces and the removal of aesthetic barriers. In terms of cultural policy, he is involved on the board of Physical Theatre Netzwerk e. V., working to raise the profile of this art form, foster networking and support emerging talent.