The productions invited to the 2025 Theatertreffen address our challenging present days with a wide range of aesthetic means and content, and they are all an image of our unsettling time. And yet, they strike strong and encouraging notes that invite us to take an inspiring look at the status quo on our theatre stages. We are especially pleased that the selection of ten productions invited to Theatertreffen includes seven directors making their Theatertreffen-debut as well as seven world premieres: new names and new stories that make up the exciting selection of this year’s festival.
2025 is a special year for an important pillar of Theatertreffen: The International Forum celebrates its 60th anniversary. Initiated as “Begegnung junger Bühnenangehöriger” (Meeting of Young Theatre Professionals) and expanded into an international format by the Goethe-Institut’s participation in the 1980s, every year the International Forum creates space for theatre makers at the outset of their careers to exchange ideas within the framework of Theatertreffen and to reflect on their individual practice together. For its anniversary, we have developed a special framing programme titled “Forum Theatertreffen 1965–2025” which will exclusively present alumni of the International Forum. Over the entire duration of the festival, there will be performances, installations and a film as well as readings and discussions, all of them by and with former Forum-participants. Make sure to look for the programme brochure and the dates in the calendar! The successful Audience Talks with impulse key notes from experts will also be continued: All impulse key notes will be given by alumni of the International Forum who will contribute their wide-ranging perspectives. This shows that the Forum is not just a platform for international artists at the beginning of their career but also a meeting-place for the world and an important international resonance chamber for Theatertreffen’s local roots. Our special thanks go the funding institutions of the framing programme, namely the Federal Agency for Civic Education and the Heinz und Heide Dürr Stiftung, as well as Goethe-Institut for the long standing collaboration with the International Forum.
As always, the Theatertreffen-Blog will provide news and coverage of the festival. Furthermore, there will be several award ceremonies and, of course, the jury’s concluding discussion. We would like to thank all our co-operation partners and funding institutions very much for their collaboration and continued support, above all the German Federal Cultural Foundation and our media partner 3sat.
We look forward to welcoming you, dear audience, to the 62nd Theatertreffen! Join us in discovering a wealth of artistic views of our times, meet new people and old acquaintances. In short: stay curious!
Nora Hertlein-Hull
Director Theatertreffen
