News from Berlin

News from Berlin - Every year in May artists, theater directors and journalists from all over the world come together in Berlin for Theatertreffen, Germany’s most important theater festival. Between May 8^th and 18^th Theatertreffen is hosting a series of multi-dimensional events with varied topics and focus. On May 2^nd the 51^st Berlin Theatertreffen started and opened with the production ‘Zement’ by Heiner Müller, which is Dimiter Gottscheff’s final production and saw its premiere last year in Munich. Numerous important artists were present such as Frank Castorf, Herbert Fritsch, Karin Henkel, Alvis Hermanis and Alain Platel as well as impressive debuts by Robert Borgmann and Susanne Kennedy.

Dimiter Gottscheff has already attended the Theatertreffen five times and since this will be his last invitation to the Festival he will be on the spotlight this year. An exhibition of portrait drawings by his set designer will take place, as well as a concert by his theater musician to pay special homage to him. ‘Stueckemarkt’ is another part of the festival and this year will be attended by Mona el Gammal, Miet Warlop and Chris Thorpe, three impressive and very diverse emerging artists that will present a performance and take part in discussions and workshops. The International Forum, which celebrates its 50^th anniversary this year, is looking at its older history and former participants, as well as the future of theater with the so-called ‘Assembly for the Future’.

Finally, the Theatertreffen-Camp is one of the highlights of the festival and provides opportunities for the exchange of ideas among people interested in similar aspects of theater, and offers space for discussion about topics that have social or political relevance. Furthermore, the audience can engage in discussions and interact with the ‘Jury’ of the Festival and participate in workshops and talks. Theatertreffen 2014 is undoubtedly a great opportunity for people already engaged in theater as well as for people that want to start getting an insight into this form of art, to enjoy inspiring performances and interact with artists from all over the world. More detailed information on the festival events can be found here: http://www.berlinerfestspiele.de/en/aktuell/festivals/theatertreffen/ueber_festival_tt/aktuell_tt/start.php.