Talk | Forum Theatertreffen 1965–2025
Narrowing Spaces
Artistic Answers to Political Pressure
© Lütfiye Güzel
Alumni of the International Forum show their artistic approach in times of coercion and political restrictions in uncertain times.
Art and culture are increasingly being attacked and undermined. Wherever right-wing populist, nationalist and extreme forces are gaining political power, the artistic freedom has to operate is being narrowed. What has been witnessed with horror in a small number of countries just a few years ago, now affects seemingly established democracies. How do artists deal with this, what are their creative approaches? Is there potential in cultivating nuance and relying on ambiguity? When does it stop being fun? Three alumni of the International Forum talk about their experiences, their different creative strategies and specific artistic projects: Azadeh Ganjeh worked and taught in Tehran until 2022 and now lives in Berlin, Tanja Krone took part in the election in Mannheim and toured East Germany with workshops, Kristóf Kelemen lives in Budapest and works at venues including Trafó House of Contemporary Arts.
With
Azadeh Ganjeh (IF 2019) – Professor for Performative Arts in Social Contexts at University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Ottersberg
Kristóf Kelemen(IF 2023) – Independent Director, Playwright, Dramaturg, Theatre Maker in Budapest
Tanja Krone (IF 2007) – Independent Director, Curator, Performer and Musician in Berlin
Moderated by Felizitas Stilleke (IF 2016) – Independent Dramaturg, Curator, Radio-Maker and Author in Berlin