Opening Ceremonies

What ideas do we understand when we talk about solidarities? Where do we nd them within the independent performing arts community and are we only asking for solidarity within our own ranks?

To begin this conference, we will start by inviting the sociologist Heinz Bude to speak, who always sees the future of a larger idea in solidarity. Following this, Dr. Mithu Sanyal, an intersectional, feminist cultural scholar, will point out moments of connection in the struggle against capitalism and gender inequality. Franziska Kronfoth and Julia Lwowski from the music theater collective Hauen und Stechen will discuss the specific artistic practice between artistic fields and cities. We also look forward to the official words of welcome from Sabine Bangert, Chair of the Committee for Cultural Affairs, and are excited for a solidary kick-off for the event by Tina Pfurr from LAFT – Landesverband freie darstellende Künste Berlin, Janina Benduski for the Berlin Performing Arts Program and Franziska Werner for Sophiensæle.

All of these speeches by seasoned experts will provide numerous questions and occasions for conversation over the coming days. This event will receive a performative framework with a DJ set by Station17, who will express their statement musically. Ultimately, this may well be followed by the most solidary of all encounters on the dance floor.

With: Sabine Bangert (House of Representatives, Bündnis90/Die Grünen), Dr. Mithu Sanyal (cultural scholar, author, journalist), Hauen und Stechen (independent music theater collective), Dr. Heinz Bude (sociologist, University of Kassel), Franziska Werner (Sophiensæle), Tina Pfurr (LAFT Berlin), Janina Benduski (Berlin Performing Arts Program) and Station17 (inclusive network of musicians, Hamburg). Moderated by the 2019 Industry Get-Together team