In 2023, we celebrate the 60th edition of Theatertreffen. It is a moment to pause and look back at decades of powerful theatrical experiences with pride. Theatertreffen has always been more than a gathering of dramatic excellence, virtuoso acting and creative superlatives from across the German-language region. It is also a place where current issues of social and culture-political relevance are discussed and reflected, and where we can acknowledge the social and political relevance of the theatre.
In 2023, we celebrate the 60th edition of Theatertreffen. It is a moment to pause and look back at decades of powerful theatrical experiences with pride. Theatertreffen has always been more than a gathering of dramatic excellence, virtuoso acting and creative superlatives from across the German-language region. It is also a place where current issues of social and culture-political relevance are discussed and reflected, and where we can acknowledge the social and political relevance of the theatre.This year’s Theatertreffen will present a variety of theatre languages and forms. From a spectacle of dance, sword-swallowing and free diving in “Ophelia’s Got Talent” via an almost seven-hour social portrait of New York’s gay community in the 2010s – “Das Vermächtnis (The Inheritance)” – to “Der Einzige und sein Eigentum”, a piece of musical theatre based on a philosophical essay; from a multi-media contemplation of how to represent remembrance in “Der Bus nach Dachau” to the creative surveying of a text in “Zwiegespräch”: Yet again, Theatertreffen represents the whole range and diversity of German-language theatre. The selection of 10 remarkable productions is intensified and expanded by topical guidelines; aspects like responsibility, solidarity and feminism are debated through the devices of performance and discourse. In its new format 10 Treffen (10 Meetings), Theatertreffen focusses on the perspective of Ukrainian and Belarusian artists, for which I am particularly grateful. Just like last year, we are still facing the reality of a cruel war right here in Europe. This war continues to bring terror and annihilation to Ukraine every single day. I am very grateful that we are giving a voice and a stage to Ukrainian and Belarusian artists, showing the strength with which the people are fighting against this war of aggression.
In times of social crises and upheavals, the power of the dramatic art, its community-building effects and its resonance spaces are more essential than ever. To face the future and its challenges, we need resilience and foresight, but also confidence and creative courage. All this can be found in the theatre!
I wish all friends of Theatertreffen long-lasting theatre experiences, inspiring encounters and moving discussions.
Claudia Roth – State Minister for Culture and the Media and Member of the German Bundestag