Because this subject belongs to a niche, adult-oriented subculture, the following blog post focuses on the series' historical context and its role in the evolution of underground alternative cinema.
Exploring the Legacy of Simon Thaur’s ‘Experiment’ Series
When discussing the history of underground German cinema and the evolution of alternative lifestyles on film, one name frequently surfaces: Simon Thaur. His prolific series, Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein!, stands as a monumental documentation of BDSM and fetish culture spanning several decades. What is the ‘Experiment’ Series?
Starting in the late 1990s, Thaur and his production company, SubWay Innovative Productions Berlin, began releasing a series of videos that bridged the gap between documentary-style observation and stylized performance. The title itself, Ausgeliefert sein, translates roughly to "being at someone's mercy" or "being delivered over," reflecting the core themes of power dynamics and surrender explored in each volume. The Significance of ‘Experiment 27’
While every entry in the series features different performers and scenarios, the 27th installment—part of a series that eventually surpassed 50 volumes—is a snapshot of the early 2000s fetish scene.
Authenticity: Unlike mainstream adult cinema, these "experiments" were noted for their gritty, low-budget aesthetic that prioritized the "realness" of the power exchange.
Cultural Context: Based in Berlin, the series became a cult staple in the city's legendary nightlife and underground art scenes. Experiment Ausgeliefert Sein 27
Variety: The series is known for its wide-ranging cast, including recurring figures in the community like Lumpi, Gloria Summer, and Dona Lucia. A Reflection on Subculture Documentation
The longevity of the series on platforms like IMDb highlights its importance as a historical archive. It captures the fashion, attitudes, and specific "Berlin style" of the fetish world before it became more popularized in the digital age.
For those interested in the intersections of independent filmmaking and alternative culture, the Experiment series offers a raw, unfiltered look at a community that defines itself by its own rules. Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein! 4 (Video 1999) - IMDb
Details * September 1999 (Germany) * Germany. * Language. German. * Production company. SubWay Innovative Productions Berlin.
Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein! 35: Mutter Erna will was erleben!
Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein! 35: Mutter Erna will was erleben! * Simon Thaur. * Ricky. Gloria Summer. Because this subject belongs to a niche, adult-oriented
Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein! 10 (Video 2000) - Full cast & crew
Systemic Powerlessness: The "experiment" often serves as a lens to examine how individuals react when they are stripped of agency. This is frequently discussed in relation to life under occupation or within strict institutional hierarchies, where everyday actions are subject to constant external control and surveillance.
Psychological Vulnerability: In clinical psychology, the state of "Ausgeliefert-Sein" is a key component of trauma research. It describes a deep-seated feeling of helplessness and lack of protection, often triggered by past traumatic events or social exclusion.
Immersive Exploration: Some artistic projects use the title to describe immersive installations or films (notably a 1999 production) that place the viewer or participant in a position of forced observation or physical surrender to highlight the boundaries between the self and the "other".
Existential Dimension: Philosophically, the concept deals with the human condition of being "thrown" into a world without a choice, where one must navigate existential threats and the constant presence of potential failure. Contextual Usage
Social & Political: Used to describe the psychological toll of systemic oppression and the "transcendental motives" that emerge when traditional agency is removed. Data Collection & Analysis
Educational: Referenced in psychology curricula (such as Kurs 27) to distinguish between field and laboratory experiments, specifically looking at how "feelings of powerlessness" manifest in controlled vs. natural environments. Experiment - Ausgeliefert sein (Video 1999)
Summarize the key findings and their significance. Suggest avenues for future research that could build upon or extend the insights gained from Experiment 27.
Present the findings of the experiment. This could include:
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In der Landschaft der modernen Performance-Kunst und psychologischen Selbstexperimente gibt es einen Begriff, der seit einigen Monaten in kleineren Nischen für Aufsehen sorgt: Experiment Ausgeliefert Sein 27. Es klingt nach einer abgeschlossenen Studie, nach einer Versuchsreihe aus einem geheimen Labor der 1970er Jahre, oder nach dem Tagebuch eines Verschollenen. Doch bei näherer Betrachtung entpuppt sich „Ausgeliefert Sein 27“ als eines der radikalsten mentalen Experimente der Gegenwart – ein Test, bei dem die Kontrolle nicht nur abgegeben, sondern systematisch zerstört wird.
Um das Experiment verstehen zu können, muss man seine paradoxe Choreografie kennen. Die Teilnehmer (bisher dokumentierte Fälle: ca. 40 Personen weltweit) unterzeichnen vor Beginn ein sogenanntes „Vernichtungsprotokoll“. Die Kernregeln lauten:
Der entscheidende Punkt: Das Experiment wird nicht überwacht. Niemand greift ein, selbst wenn der Proband zu schreien beginnt oder sich selbst verletzt. Die einzige Sicherheitsklausel ist eine Notfallkapsel, die nach 27 Stunden automatisch einen Pin-Code freigibt – den der Proband vorher nicht kennt.