Talkhaus Ost: SYMPOSIUM

SYMPOSIUM is not a conference, nor an artist talk. SYMPOSIUM is a night of experimental lecture-performances and it thanks you for your attention. SYMPOSIUM welcomes professional and non-professional performers alike to mis- and re-purpose the slideshow as a medium — to share a niche interest, to seduce their crush, to dance with knowledge, to invent a new persona, to lose the plot, to move to tears, or to make something up. They each have 15 minutes. They may approach this with playful exuberance or intense seriousness.

 

Curated and stewarded by Miriam Woodburn, Dora Dubber and Nelya Ahmia, SYMPOSIUM emerges from their Berlin-based »Presentation Club«, an event series featuring 10-minute PowerPoint presentations on niche topics.

 

Confronting the Shadow

»Confronting the Shadow« by the Ukrainian director Tamara Trunova is a co-production between the Left Bank Theatre in Kyiv and the Performing Exiles Festival. The work is an attempt to represent and highlight the theme of absence.

 

Performing Exiles is an international and interdisciplinary festival produced by the Berliner Festspiele, that seeks to make diasporic lives in the city of Berlin visible and explore the contemporary meaning of exile. Performing Exiles will take place from 19 to 28 June 2025 at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele, the HAU – Hebbel am Ufer and Ballhaus Ost.

TRUEMMER

In their new work »TRUEMMER«, Jan Koslowski and Marlene Kolatschny explore the idea of the broken, the leftover, the removal of remnants and loss together with the ensemble.

Jan Koslowski, director and author, and Marlene Kolatschny, dramaturge and author, have been friends and collaborators for many years.

2 ½ Krähen

Along the river Elbe the last ice age divided the European crow population into two evolutionary lines. On the anniversary of the melting of the glacier, raven and hooded crows rehearse a joint ceremony. The audience is caught in a field of hearsay, attributions and self-images. How can division be overcome?

Sebastian Mauksch & team develop theatre as a space of experience for children and young people. Through the interplay of acting, dance, text, visual arts, sound and technology, they explore social issues with the audience and invite them to try out their own attitudes and actions.

Tanz hin Tanz her

Dance back and forth, this way and that. A call for motion. A call for movement. An ensemble of professional dancers and a young drop of refugees invites to dance and illuminates the structures of integration: what does it mean to integrate into a society or a situation?

 

Angela Lamprianidou, born in Greece, studied choreography and new techniques of interpretation at the »Institut del Teatre« in Barcelona, where she lived and worked until recently. She has collaborated with theaters such as the Mercat de les Flors, the National Theater of Catalonia and the Underground & Off scene.

Mit Wirkung II: Mit Sprechen

On the second evening of »Mit Wirkung«, experts will engage in dialogue and reflect on the changing discourse in Berlin, the controversial definitions of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism and the possibility of linking the two struggles. The event will conclude with Bedouin food artist Samar Abu-Fraiha, in an evening of hospitality, culture and connection.

The first part of »Mit Wirkung. Eine Relaxed Veranstaltungsreihe über intensiven Themen« will take place on 11 December at 18:00: »Mit Denken«

Mit Sprechen (نتحدث معًا)

في الأمسية الثانية من «مِت ڤيركونغ»، يخوض خبراءٌ في حوار للتأمل في تغيرات الخطاب السائد في برلين، وفي تعريفات معاداة السامية المثيرة للجدل والعنصرية ضد المسلمين، وإمكانية ربط النضالين معًا. تُختتَم الفعالية مع فنانة الطعام البدوية سمر أبو فريحة، في أمسية من الضيافة والثقافة والتواصل. 

هذهالفعاليةجزءمن «مِتڤيركونغ: سلسلةفعالياتريلاكسدحولمواضيعجادة»

Soft Arrival: Between 18:00 and 18:30, visitors can slowly arrive in the room. Breaks are scheduled approximately every 45′. Each break lasts 15′.

 

Livestream from 18:30 will be linked here.

Notes on Access

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Agnieszka Habraschka.

Agnieszka will be present at the event as an access person and will support you with all questions/needs relating to accessibility.

General Note on Content and Sensory Stimuli

Mit Wirkung is about anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism in Germany.
Increased volume in the hall during the second part of the evening.
Smell of food during the discussion.
During the food performance, participants sit together at a table and can talk.
Below you will find detailed content information, information on sensory stimuli and information on allergens on the menu.

Relaxed Performance

The events take place in a relaxed atmosphere.
Various forms of attention are welcome. There will be various seating options, stim toys*, blankets, drinks and food (including gluten-free and vegan alternatives). You can move around during the event, sit or lie down and use stim toys*. You can take your own breaks and go out and come back in at any time.

Sitting options
Chairs, beanbags, seat cushions, carpets with tables of different heights

Retreat room
There is a retreat room with beanbags, loungers, blankets and stim toys*.

*Stim toys are small, calming objects such as stress balls, plasticine or pressure rings that help neurodivergent people in particular to regulate their nervous system.

What is a relaxed event?
Relaxed events are based on the Relaxed Performance format and aim to offer accessibility especially for neurodivergent people, people with chronic illnesses/pain/people with invisible disabilities. Accessibility is not added as an afterthought, but is part of the event concept. As with theater performances, there are often implicit rules of conduct at events that make it difficult for neurodivergent people or people with chronic illnesses/pain to participate fully. Examples of this include expectations to sit still on chairs, to move little or not to take independent breaks. Such conventions make it difficult for many people to participate. These rules/expectations should be removed with the relaxed event format.

Relaxed formats also offer a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with emotionally draining or trauma-related topics. At the beginning of each event, we share various physical exercises with you that are designed to calm the central nervous system and that you can do individually or together as a group.

Relaxed Content/sensory stimuli/allergens:

Discussion with Prof. Dr. Uffa Jensen and Allex. Fassberg:
-Anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim racism

-Different definitions of anti-Semitism

-Politicization of the term anti-Semitism

-Current incidents of violence and discrimination

-Discussion of different data sets (e.g. RIAS reports, police statistics)
-Role of institutions (police, government, educational institutions)

-Criticism of resolutions such as “Never again is now”

-Marginalization and discrimination of other groups (queer, Muslim, black, trans* people, Sinti or Roma)
-Exclusion and playing communities off against each other

-Racism at universities

Bedouin hospitality with Samar Abu-Fraiha:
Allergens:
-milk/lactose
-gluten (there are gluten-free alternatives for bread, but not for every dish)

-sesam

-paprika
-walnuts
-coriander
-garlic
-pine nuts
-pistazien
-almonds

Rooms

There is continuous, step-free and level access (incl. kerb ramp) from the street to the building and to the hall with a width of at least 150 cm. The floor surface in the courtyard is slightly uneven.
Most performances take place in the auditorium, which is at ground level. The hall is entered through a 194 cm wide double door. Then there is a second double door, which has an entrance dimension of 180 cm. The third double door, through which the audience enters the auditorium, is 136 cm wide. There is no lift.
In good weather, the bar is at ground level in the courtyard, in bad weather unfortunately only accessible via a staircase on the second floor. This bar is not accessible for wheelchair users. There are 17 steps between the first floor and the second floor.
There is space for wheelchairs or walking frames in the event hall/area and there is the option of reserving a particularly suitable seat and/or entering the hall early.

Barrierefree WC
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the first floor of the building. Access to this toilet is via the corridor and is 198 cm wide. The entrance to the toilet is 79 cm wide.

How to find us

The nearest stop is U-Bahnhof Eberswalderstr.
The underground station has an elevator. The underground station is located at an intersection with a lot of car and pedestrian traffic. From there, parts of the way to Ballhaus Ost are on cobblestones.
The theater entrance is through the archway in the courtyard of the building at Pappelallee 15.

Parking options
In Pappelallee there are parking spaces in the public area on the roadside. The theater cannot offer its own parking spaces.

Mit Wirkung I: Mit Denken

The first evening of »Mit Wirkung« is dedicated to learning together. In small groups, topics relating to anti-Semitism, racism and repression are made accessible for a differentiated and complex discussion that invites the audience to ask questions, read and exchange ideas with experts and each other.

The second part of »Mit Wirkung. Eine Relaxed Veranstaltungsreihe über intensiven Themen« will take place on 12 December at 18:00: »Mit Sprechen«

Mit Denken (نفكر معًا)

نُكرِّس الأمسية الأولى من «مِت ڤيركونغ» لنتعلم معًا. في مجموعات صغيرة، سنيسر نقاشاتٍ معقدة حول العنصرية ومعاداة السامية وممارسات القمع. ندعو الحضور إلى طرح الأسئلة، والقراءة، وتبادل الأفكار سويًا ومع الخبراء.

هذهالفعاليةجزءمن «مِتڤيركونغ: سلسلةفعالياتريلاكسدحولمواضيعجادة»

Soft Arrival: Between 18:00 and 18:30, visitors can slowly arrive in the room. Breaks are scheduled approximately every 45′. Each break lasts 15′.

Notes on access

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Agnieszka Habraschka.

Agnieszka will be present at the event as an access person and will support you with all questions/needs relating to accessibility.

Four groups work on the first floor and are accessible without stairs.
One of the groups will work on the third floor (36 steps).
Another group will work on the fourth floor (54 steps).
We will decide which group works where according to their needs.

General Note on Content and Sensory Stimuli

Mit Wirkung addresses antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism in Germany.

All groups involve participant engagement through discussions or presentations of their work in small or large groups (participation is entirely optional).
Increased noise levels during group work in the hall!
Smells of food may be present during the group work.

Below you will find detailed content information, information on sensory stimuli for each work group and information on kitchen allergens.

Relaxed Performance

The events take place in a relaxed atmosphere.
Various forms of attention are welcome. There will be various seating options, stim toys*, blankets, drinks and food (including gluten-free and vegan alternatives). You can move around during the event, sit or lie down and use stim toys*. You can take your own breaks and go out and come back in at any time.

Sitting options
Chairs, beanbags, seat cushions, carpets

Retreat room
There is a retreat room with beanbags, loungers, blankets and stim toys*.

*Stim toys are small, calming objects such as stress balls, plasticine or pressure rings that help neurodivergent people in particular to regulate their nervous system.

What is a relaxed event?
Relaxed events are based on the Relaxed Performance format and aim to offer accessibility especially for neurodivergent people, people with chronic illnesses/pain/people with invisible disabilities. Accessibility is not added as an afterthought, but is part of the event concept. As with theater performances, there are often implicit rules of conduct at events that make it difficult for neurodivergent people or people with chronic illnesses/pain to participate fully. Examples of this include expectations to sit still on chairs, to move little or not to take independent breaks. Such conventions make it difficult for many people to participate. These rules/expectations should be removed with the relaxed event format.

Relaxed formats also offer a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with emotionally draining or trauma-related topics. At the beginning of each event, we share various physical exercises with you that are designed to calm the central nervous system and that you can do individually or together as a group.

Relaxed Content/sensory stimuli/allergens:

Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus reads/liest Jacqueline Kahanoff. 
Text in English, conversation in German/English
Text auf Englisch, Gespräch auf Deutsch/Englisch

Kahanoff:
-The text explores Jewish, Muslim, and Christian identities as well as tensions and misunderstandings between them.

-Mentions the story of Passover, the Exodus, and the Ten Plagues.

-Describes conflicts of identity.

-A friendship between children of different religions breaks down due to cultural differences.

-Discusses the Ten Plagues and their impact on Egyptian people.

Celan:
-Explores identity, intimacy, and otherness.

-The poem addresses loss and pain connected to personal and collective history.

-Possible references to mourning, memory, and guilt associated with exile and separation.

-Depicts closeness, intimacy, pain, and loss.

Lina Majdalanie reads/liest Brecht
Text in German/English, conversation in English
Text auf Deutsch/Englisch, Gespräch auf Englisch

Anrede an den Kongressausschuss für unamerikanische Betätigungen in Washington, 1947

-The text describes personal experiences of persecution under the Nazi regime and forced exile.

-Depicts life in exile for many writers and artists, as well as the associated cultural losses.

-Themes of censorship and cultural and artistic suppression.

-References to the horrors of war.


-Mentions poverty, homelessness, and the destruction of livelihoods in the post-war period.

-Highlights state control and restrictions on artistic expression.
/b>
-Notes the possibility of a global war and the complete annihilation of humanity.

Wir Neunzehn

-Academic language.
-Themes of political persecution and state oppression.

-References to ideological purges and public humiliation of cultural workers.

-Descriptions of existential threats through the loss of livelihoods (blacklists).

-Metaphorical language suggesting violence (e.g., “stake” against innocents).

-Depictions of fear, intimidation, and psychological pressure from state and economic power structures.

-Ableism-insensitive language: The text uses the phrase “blind obedience” to critique unconditional compliance and lack of reflection.

Sisi Bo’wale – COLLAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
conversation in English/German
Gespräch auf Englisch/Deutsch

Content Notes:
-The group activity addresses themes such as antisemitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism, and the impacts of systemic oppression.

-It explores the censorship of voices, the creation of counter-narratives, and the role of resistance.

-The activity reflects personal or collective emotions such as anger, grief, hope, or empathy.
/b>
-Examines the connections between different forms of oppression and their impact on various communities.

-A safe space is aimed for, to share complex emotions and thoughts in a supportive environment.

Sensory Stimuli:

-he activity involves the use of scissors and glue.

-Possible sounds of paper being cut or torn.

Dr. Nahed Samour reads/liest Edward Said
Text/Video in English, conversation in German
Text/Video auf Englisch, Gespräch auf Deutsch

-Highly academic text written in complex language./b>
-Mentions of corruption, conformity, and the instrumentalization of intellectuals by powerful institutions or ideologies.

Wael Esakndar views/schaut Black Mirror
Video in English with German Subtitles. 
Conversation in English
Video auf Englisch mit deutschen Untertiteln.
Gespräch auf Englisch

Conten Notes:
-Violence and War: Depiction of military operations with deadly confrontations and weapons.

-Manipulation of Perception:
Themes of technological manipulation of reality and its ethical implications.
-Dehumanization: The episode portrays how technology causes people to perceive others as less human.
-Psychological Strain: Depiction of trauma, guilt, and the psychological effects of war.

-Racist and Social Discrimination: Subtext addressing the dehumanization of minorities and systemic oppression.

-Explicit Violence: Scenes involving physical violence, blood, and injuries.

Sensory Stimuli:
-Loud Gunshots and Explosions: Frequent, intense noises from military confrontations.

-Visually Graphic Violent Scenes: Detailed close-ups of combat and injuries.
-Dark Color Palette: Cold, dark, and gray tones dominate the setting.
-Technologically Altered Audio and Video Effects: Distorted sounds and visual effects representing the manipulated perception of the protagonists.
-Strong Contrasts: Shifts between intense, fast-paced action and quiet, unsettling moments.

Allex. Fassberg – Writing Group
Writing possible in any language, Schreiben in jeder Sprache möglich,  
Conversation in German/English, Gespräch auf Deutsch/Englisch

The writing group will focus on terms related to the German debate on anti-Semitism. The exchange is open and depends on what the participants want to share. It is therefore not possible to give specific content for the writing group.
Possible topics that can be addressed:
-Experiences of antisemitism.
-Experiences of racism (particularly anti-Muslim racism).

-Oppression.
-Silencing of diverse voices.
-Exclusion.

KÜFA

Allergens:
-Gluten: Gluten-containing bread is available, with a gluten-free alternative.

-Milk/Lactose or Soy: Options include dairy products with a soy-based alternative.

-Soy or Milk/Lactose: Options include soy products with a dairy-based alternative.

-Garlic.
-Coriander.
-Paprika

Rooms

There is continuous, step-free and level access (incl. kerb ramp) from the street to the building and to the hall with a width of at least 150 cm. The floor surface in the courtyard is slightly uneven.
Most performances take place in the auditorium, which is at ground level.
The hall is entered through a 194 cm wide double door. Then there is a second double door, which has an entrance dimension of 180 cm. The third double door, through which the audience enters the auditorium, is 136 cm wide. There is no lift.
In good weather, the bar is at ground level in the courtyard, in bad weather unfortunately only accessible via a staircase on the second floor. This bar is not accessible for wheelchair users. There are 17 steps between the first floor and the second floor.
There is space for wheelchairs or walking frames in the event hall/area and there is the option of reserving a particularly suitable seat and/or entering the hall early.

Barrierefree WC
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the first floor of the building. Access to this toilet is via the corridor and is 198 cm wide. The entrance to the toilet is 79 cm wide.

How to find us

The nearest stop is U-Bahnhof Eberswalderstr.
The underground station has an elevator. The underground station is located at an intersection with a lot of car and pedestrian traffic.
From there, parts of the way to Ballhaus Ost are on cobblestones.
The theater entrance is through the archway in the courtyard of the building at Pappelallee 15.

Parking options
In Pappelallee there are parking spaces in the public area on the roadside. The theater cannot offer its own parking spaces.

Dramen der Gegenwart #2

The Festival »Dramen der Gegenwart #2« takes a look at the diversity and qualities of contemporary theater texts. A total of around 20 theater texts will be presented in a broad spectrum of forms.

 

Saturday Program:
10:00 Caffeine Drama – Reading Speed Dating I
12:00 Writing Chamber vs. Writers’ Room
13:00 Pearls & Swine – A Drama Parcours
18:00 Poetics Pulse
19:00 The Playwright Is Present I & II – The Writers’ Ensemble
21:00 The Playwright Is Present III & IV – The Authors’ Ensemble

 

Sunday Program:
10:00 Caffeine Drama – Reading Speeddating II
12:00 Collision 1: “Couple IV”
12:30 Collisions 2: “visible only when viewed. chance encounters”
13:00 Collisions 3: “HOMOSPHERE”
14:30 Ways and detours to authorship
16:00 Conclusion Dramas of the Present #2

Requiem For The Real

An actress stands on stage in front of a large screen, her thoughts in her past – and simultaneously in virtual worlds with VR glasses. A cascade of intertwined, immersive memory spaces emerges. A reality matroshka that begins with an inner-immersive play of the performer, continues through the virtual reality construction and the peculiar reality of a theater stage into the reality constructions of our world.

 

Rabea Kiel and Adolfina Fuck (Matthias Meppelink) have a longstanding collaboration, through Applied Theater Studies in Giessen and with the performance group Monster Truck. Since 2021, the duo has been exploring the medium of virtual reality as a performative tool with the aim of a productive misappropriation for theater.

Selfie & Ich

In a mobile performance through four private apartments in Neukölln, director Christiane Mudra provides insight into the lives of mentally ill people and describes the situation in Germany’s psychiatric institutions from the Nazi era to the present day. In the process, »Selfie & Ich« unmasks en passant the systemic deformation of our oh-so-happy meritocracy.

 

investigative
stands for journalistic long-term research that is based primarily on original sources and also uncovers unknown facts.

theater
plays out the research specifically in different formats. investigative theater experiments with digital tools and seeks interaction with the audience.