Opening 9 May 2024
Directed by:
Philipp Fussenegger, Judy Landkammer
Writing credits:
Cordula Kablitz-Post, Schyda Vasseghi
Merrill Nisker changed her name to Peaches at the beginning of her career as singer, songwriter, and producer. In this documentary, we accompany Peaches on her successful path in the world of punk rock from the age of twenty-four when she began singing with a group called Mermaid Café, then she organized a group called The Shit, which included Chilly Gonzales. Today at age fifty-seven she is still in great form, accompanied by a female drummer and female singers. There is a discussion about the influence of lesbianism, however we meet her “boyfriend,” Ellison Renee Glenn, better known as Black Cracker. Charlie Le Mindu is her hairdresser and creates fashions. Originally from Canada, she eventually moved to Berlin, which is presently her hometown. Teaches of Peaches won the Teddy Award for best documentary at the 2024 Berlinale Film Festival.
Merrill Nisker a.k.a. Peaches adopted her new name from the song “Four Women” by Nina Simone. Peaches and (her team) perform in fashionable, but minimal, clothing. In one scene she and her co-singers wear dildos or fake penises. There are twenty songs of which many refer to sex. For example, there is “Fuck the Pain Away,” including the line “Sucking on my titties like you wanted.” There is the song “Shake your Dix,” or the song “Set it Off” which features the repetitive lyrics “Motherfuckers.” There is a t-shirt with the words “Thank God for Abortion.” The film’s title Teaches of Peaches derives from the title of her second album which came out in 2002. It could translate to “learning from Peaches.” Have fun at the film and then enjoy Peaches performing live in Hamburg on August 21, 2024. (Becky Tan)
