The German Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) is organising the 7th "Politik im Freien Theater" Festival in Cologne from November 13th-23rd (2008). Two unusual dance theatre productions in the festival programme that focus on different phases of life – growing up and growing old – will be appearing on stage in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia for the very first time. For "Hell on Earth", the breakneck dance performance that kicks off the festival, Argentine choreographer Constanza Macras included immigrant youths from Berlin´s "problem" Neukölln district in her ensemble. With plenty of humour, they talk about the straightaways and speed-bumps involved in becoming an adult, the discrimination they´ve experienced, the desire to conform and the problems that conforming brings with it. The young people take the public along on a musical roller-coaster ride, revealing the stunning energy of their dreams along the way. A podium discussion based on the performance entitled Kultur im Exil / Exil der Kulturen (Culture in Exile / Exile of Cultures) will also be taking place within the framework of the festival programme.
In Doris Uhlich´s production "und" ("and"), ageing Viennese men and women set off on a search to discover the traces and patterns that a lifetime leaves on a body. As a child, Hans Breitschopf was in a boy´s choir, and even today when he´s walking or standing he clasps his hands behind his back. Uhlich dispenses with narration and music and concentrates instead on the body language of her performers, who are all between 59 and 88 years of age. With lyric tenderness, "und" uses personal gestures as a means of chronicling the history of the elderly.
Tickets for both performances can be reserved at the website Externer Link: www.koelnticket.de or by calling (49) (0)221-2801. They are also available at all standard ticketing agencies.
Constanza Macras / DorkyPark: Hell on Earth
Germany 2008
Cologne Schauspielhaus
Offenbachplatz 1
Thursday, 13th November, 07:30 p.m. (Festival opening)
Friday, 14th November, 11:00 a.m. & 07:30 p.m.
(open discussion at 11:00 a.m. performance)
Kultur im Exil / Exil der Kulturen
Podium Discussion
Untergrund in der Maastrichter (in the Stadtrevue courtyard)
Maastrichter Str. 49
Cologne
Friday, 14th November, 10:00 p.m.
Doris Uhlich: und
Austria 2007
Cologne Theaterhaus
Stammstr. 38-40
Saturday, 22th November, 06:00 p.m.
Sunday, 23th November, 04:00 p.m.
(followed by an open discussion)
For more information on the festival, or to download the programme or press photos, please visit
Press contact/Festival
Ursula Teich Public Relations
on behalf of the bpb
Im Dau 6
50678 Cologne
Tel +49 (0) 221 5890-708
Fax +49 (0) 221 5890-709
Mobil +49 (0) 173 5204-894
E-Mail Link: presse@ursulateich.de
Information
Federal Agency for Civic Education
Festivalmanagement
Milena Mushak
Adenauerallee 86
53113 Bonn
Tel +49 (0) 228 99515-518
E-Mail Link: Milena.mushak@bpb.de
Externer Link: www.bpb.de
Press contact details/bpb
Federal Agency for Civic Education
Press office
Adenauerallee 86
53113 Bonn
Tel +49 (0) 228 99515-200
Fax +49 (0) 228 99515-293
E-Mail Link: presse@bpb.de
Externer Link: www.bpb.de/presse