Theatre in Prison
drama festival at.tension#5
Mein Name ist Mensch
"Mein Name ist Mensch" was the first production within the scope of "Occupy Theatre", a TANZFONDS PARTNER cooperation between perform[d]ance, IGS Grünthal and the Theatre Vorpommern. Together with international choreographers the students of the 8th grade from IGS Grünthal dove into the universum of contemporary dance and artistic processes for five weeks.
The phase of departure and rebellion of the 1970/80´s as well as the actual Occupy-Movement at first glance have less in common with the living environment of the young dancers. But the songtextpoetry from Rio Reiser and TonSteineScherben is not farfetched, as they describe facettes of being human and provide the central themes of the moving transformation of our desires, objections and circumstances.
Theatre in Prison
As my work in prison constitutes new experiences, theatre itself seems to be unfamilier for these young people. The conscious contact with body and voice, the development of group dynamics, the srcutinizing of acting from different perspectives becomes increasingly the focus on our work. Chased by a strong will, difficult moments are managed with power of endurance and creativity as well as high expectations to themselves. The amazing energie of these young prisoners is fascinating and inspiring to the same time. Theatre means work. And the failure on stage belongs to it.
Together they created a play based on own experiences. Besides serious examination of themes like death, love and violence the deadpan humour of these youngsters blowed up bonds of deep sorrow and left the audience smiling.
Theatreproject "Rausch" with kids from Rosa-Parks-School
The students worked on dramaturgical aspects, documentation and creation of a flyer fitting to the project. Professional supported by two theatre pedagogues, one musician, a journalist of culture as well as two teachers a theatre play arose which broached the issue and reflected the living environment of the 16 years old kids.
Bridging the Gap - An intercultural research project on integration
In the south the majority is Albanian (approx. 60,000 inhabitants), whereas in the north the majority of the population is Serbian (approx. 16,000 inhabitants). Two road bridges and one pedestrian bridge (which is used solely by albanians) connect the two parts of the city across the "border river" Ibar. Besides Roma and Bosniaks both ethnic groups constitute the majority of population and at the same time the conflict parties.
The project aimed to capture a snapshot of the current situation of two adolescents of the major ethnicities in a two-month process. To the title "My Home" and "My Conflict" moving Improvisations have been developed, which tell a personal story and show the potential scope of artistic work .