Stage insults: Rethinking theater in Wilhelmshaven!

Stage insults: Rethinking theater in Wilhelmshaven!

The “stage insult” at the Landesbühne Niedersachsen-Nord promises an exciting and innovative performance that challenges the audience in an extraordinary way. The premiere will take place on October 19th at 8 p.m. in the Stadttheater Wilhelmshaven, at Virchowstrasse 44. The production by Sivan Ben Yishai, directed by Daniel Kunze and dramaturg Kerstin Car, is one of the special highlights in the German theater calendar.

The title of the piece may seem provocative, but it is by no means an invitation to criticism, but rather an indication that fundamental questions about the art form of theater are being addressed here. Five actors will act in this approximately two-hour performance without traditional roles, which gives the whole thing a fresh perspective. Sivan Ben Yishai is one of the pioneering voices of contemporary theater who continually question the boundaries of theater art in their work.

The plot and dramaturgy

The piece is divided into three sections. In the first act, the actors talk about their everyday lives and the challenge of showing themselves to their audience. Dramaturg Kerstin Car explains that the audience is not just passive spectators, but also part of the event, as their desires and expectations are brought into focus. In the second part of the performance, the stage itself becomes the central figure, and the empty theater building embodies its speechlessness and decay. Such a representation could be seen as a metaphor for the challenges that the theater landscape faces in the face of digital changes and social upheaval.

In the final act, the theater building becomes active and, so to speak, emits a voice from the background. Director Daniel Kunze describes this as a unique moment in which the “house” itself has its say. This creative idea aims to make viewers think about what it means when the aesthetic space of the theater is swept empty. Theater has much to do with the spatialization of human experience, and this production effortlessly raises the question: What happens to us in the context of art when there is no audience?

Performance dates and ticket information

The “stage insult” is not only performed in Wilhelmshaven, but also in other cities in East Frisia. The following dates are planned:

• Öffentliche Hauptprobe: Donnerstag, 17. Oktober, 19 Uhr, Wilhelmshaven
• Premiere: Samstag, 19. Oktober, 20 Uhr, Wilhelmshaven
• Stadthalle Aurich: Mittwoch, 13. November, 19.30 Uhr
• Theater an der Blinke, Leer: Donnerstag, 14. November, 19.30 Uhr
• Wilhelmshaven: Mittwoch, 20. November, 20 Uhr
• Wilhelmshaven: Freitag, 6. Dezember, 20 Uhr
• Wilhelmshaven: Samstag, 1. Februar 2025, 20 Uhr

Tickets can be purchased in the service center on Tel. 04421/9401-15 or directly on the Landesbühne Niedersachsen-Nord website.

The theater itself has a long and impressive history, dating back up to 2,500 years. The dramaturge Kerstin Car emphasizes that it is shaped by its roots in ritual dances and community experiences. Over time, the art form has changed - from open, outdoor game designs to the elaborate stages we know today. The role of theater has also changed and it is still an instrument for political and social issues.

The Lower Saxony-Nord State Theater is a unique cultural institution in the region. It offers major performances in an area with a population of over 720,000 and serves as a central theater for several cities and counties. Olaf Strieb, the director, describes the institution as an important part of the cultural identity of this region.

“Stage Insult” is not just an artistic work, but a reflection on theater itself and on the relevance and value of art in our society today. As such, it invites viewers to engage with questions that affect us all in a humorous and creative setting. This production promises to captivate even the most skeptical critic, perhaps even convincing them that theater is now more than ever a “dream machine.”

In summary, anyone who is interested in an extraordinary theater performance should not miss the opportunity to visit the “Stage Insultation”. It is undeniably a valuable cultural experience in Wilhelmshaven and beyond.

Further information can be found here.