Biography
Niko Hafkenscheid studied philosophy and works as a writer, musician and composer for film and performance art. In 2007 Niko started working with Meg Stuart/Damaged Goods and made and performed the music of the critically acclaimed production Maybe Forever, which toured for over four years.
Meanwhile Niko started making his own performance work, where music counts as a central performative element. Together with the Spanish performers Coral Ortega and Sara Sampelayo he created My name is… (2009) and In this case…rather not (2011), produced by Beursschouwburg, nOna and DT Espacio Escénico Madrid.
In 2010 he started working with Kabinet K. and created the music for Unfold (2010) and I See You (2012). Unfold was selected for the Theaterfestival. The performative installation The Better Life premiered at the Contour biennal for video art in Mechelen in November 2013.
In residentie De dood en haar dramaturgie
18.05.2026 – 22.05.2026
Niko Hafkenscheid is preparing a study of contemporary approaches to mourning and dying, with a special focus on the role of crematoria in a rapidly changing landscape of mourning. In this context, crematoria are studied as places where the personal and the ritual, the authentic and the staged meet. Collaboration is sought with partners from both the art sector and the funeral world. The proximity of the crematorium in Lommel is significant in this.
