3 March 2025

Sweatpants, Strauss, and Solidarity – Can the Wiener Festwochen 'Republic of Love' Heal Austria’s Political Divide?

A Historic Three-Party Coalition Begins

As of today, Austria has a new government – the first three-party coalition in the country's Second Republic. After 155 days of negotiations, the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS have taken power, marking the longest coalition talks in history. One major challenge they face is Austria's growing budget deficit, which currently stands at 4% of GDP, exceeding the EU's 3% limit. To avoid an excessive deficit procedure from Brussels, the government has announced cost-saving measures that will affect subsidies, social benefits, and pensions.

With difficult financial reforms ahead, one thing is clear: the members of the three-party coalition of the new government must foster unity, understanding, and the willingness to compromise in order to navigate differing interests. And perhaps, the Wiener Festwochen's theme for 2025—transforming Vienna into a Republic of Love—couldn't be more fitting.

The Wiener Festwochen: A Celebration of Love and the Arts

From 16 May to 22 June, the Wiener Festwochen will once again turn Vienna into a creative hub, featuring 32 productions, including 11 world premieres, 10 in-house creations, and 8 co-productions. The festival will also include 16 projects with free admission, such as the grand opening event on Rathausplatz. This year's edition, led by artistic director Milo Rau, promises a bold mix of theatre, music, activism, and philosophical inquiry, intertwining intense debates, radical performances, and immersive experiences with vibrant parties and late-night gatherings. Topics will span a broad spectrum of emotional and societal themes, from the complexities of love and desire to its intersections with power, trust, and conflict, bringing together artists from around the world to explore love in all its forms.

One of the festival's highlights is the world premiere of 'The Strauss Technique' by Bulgarian choreographer, singer-songwriter, and queer activist Ivo Dimchev.

Who Was Johann Strauss?

Vienna is celebrating 200 years since the birth of Johann Strauss (1825–1899), the Waltz King. The composer, known for timeless pieces like The Blue Danube, popularized the Viennese Waltz, which evolved from peasant dances in the 18th century into a ballroom favorite. Originally seen as daring due to its close partner embrace, the waltz became a symbol of cultural change and social freedom.

What Is 'The Strauss Technique'?

The title alone raises curiosity—what could it mean? Ivo Dimchev's performance transforms Strauss' music into a musical workout. He creates healing songs inspired by the waltz, designed to stimulate different body parts and break stereotypes around identity and sexuality. Mixing high culture with pop and Balkan influences, Dimchev's work is both playful and profound. The audience won't just be spectators—they will move, engage, and perhaps even sweat.

Dress Code: Sweatpants!

The performance, a world premiere set for 27 May at the Odeon Theater, comes with a special note: audience members should wear comfortable clothing. This isn't a sit-back-and-relax show—it's an immersive, physical experience that invites everyone to become part of the music.

While Austria is embarking on a difficult political and economic path, the Vienna Festival offers a moment of escape, reflection and, above all, love. And maybe, just maybe, that is exactly what the country needs now - especially in light of the announced austerity program.


Image: The picture shows a large gathering of people standing together, each holding a red fitness band stretched between their hands, evoking the energy of a synchronized workout session. The image is a visual representation of 'The Strauss Technique' by Ivo Dimchev, a world premiere performance at the Wiener Festwochen 2025, where music, movement, and identity intertwine in a dynamic, participatory experience. Photo: © Ivo Dimchev.