Marina Abramović's 'Balkan Erotic Epic' at Factory International: A Four-Hour Ritual of Sex, Death, and Mythology

At Factory International, Marina Abramović unveiled her immersive piece 'Balkan Erotic Epic.' Spanning four hours, the performance showcases around seventy artists across thirteen scenes, drawing inspiration from Balkan myths related to fertility and desire. As she approaches her eightieth birthday in November 2026, Abramović clarified that the work is not to be seen as pornography but rather as a reflection of ancient customs. The performance features men engaging on AstroTurf, women in traditional attire lifting their skirts, and nude performers enacting necrophilic scenarios. A character inspired by her mother, Danica, who enforced strict rules, is also present. The soundscape incorporates a funeral lament for Tito, an opera singer, and nostalgic Balkan pop, ultimately leading to a vibrant celebration with artificial rain.