Stories

From the Life of the Theatertreffen-Jury

Experiences, impressions, memories

The first members of the jury for the current edition of the festival took their first journeys to find the ten most remarkable productions of the year back in 2022. Between then and the beginning of 2025, they have seen an incredible 3,943 productions – and gathered countless experiences, impressions and memories. Now Eva Behrendt, Janis El-Bira, Valeria Heintges, Sabine Leucht, Martin Thomas Pesl, Katrin Ullmann and Sascha Westphal open their travel bags, phone records and wardrobes just enough to offer a glimpse of the many aspects of a juror’s daily life.

Watch. Reflect. Join the Conversation.

Berlin Students attend Theatertreffen 2025

What does it sound like when longing becomes loud? When does theatre touch not just the mind, but the whole body? What does it mean to stand between two cultures –  as a daughter, as a son, as a human being?

Seventeen pupils from Rheingau Gymnasium and the LiteraturInitiative Berlin (LIN) experienced the production “Unser Deutschlandmärchen” by Berlin’s Maxim Gorki Theatre at the Theatertreffen 2025 – and responded: in texts, images and videos that sometimes quietly marvel, sometimes loudly discuss, but always remain very close to their own emotions.

Who Has the Privilege to Not Know?

The question of “Who has the privilege to not know?” was of special significance during the concept phase of the 2023 festival edition. With no claims of being complete, this story provides room for answers, viewpoints and considerations of young culture makers who attended the 2023 Theatertreffen in the context of the formats International Forum and Theatertreffen-Blog.

Providing a Platform: Burning Issues

The story “Providing a Platform: Burning Issues” serves to extend and consolidate the topics addressed at the conference at the 2022 Theatertreffen. We are living in times of change. This conference and this guide were an attempt to capture some “BURNING ISSUES” and to make a variety of voices heard.

Steps Towards Greater Sustainability

The story “Steps towards more sustainability” provides an insight into the Theatertreffen's carbon footprint and the recycling-based Festival centre 2022.