Readings and Talk | Forum Theatertreffen 1965–2025

Text, Tisch, Wasserglas II

By and with Emre Akal (IF 2019), Munich; Nele Stuhler (IF 2016), Eppendorf; Olivia Wenzel (IF 2017), Weimar

Notes and pens on a floor.

© Berliner Festspiele, photo: Fabian Schellhorn

Three playwrights, three perspectives on the present: Emre Akal, Nele Stuhler and Olivia Wenzel illuminate current issues and conflicts in their plays in a multifaceted way. How do they view their art of writing and its power and relevance for contemporary theatre?

Emre Akal writes in powerful language, presenting social conflicts in sharp dialogue while also consistently experimenting with narrative techniques. At present, he primarily over-writes the classical canon. Nele Stuhler’s plays are extremely playful, delighting in juggling with language while subtly relating our world’s many ambiguities. Olivia Wenzel highlights issues of identity and their complex circumstances – often finding a direct humour in her plays that makes them deeply absorbing.

The beauty of contemporary drama lies in the multiplicity of form and style. The names of many acclaimed playwrights can be found in the history of the International Forum. Six of them – Emre Akal, Philippe Heule, Anastasiia Kosodii, Kay Matter, Nele Stuhler and Olivia Wenzel – present excerpts from their plays in two events. These will be read by actors who were also part of the International Forum. Afterwards we want to talk: about writing, the creation of worlds and the relevance of playwriting in our present.

By and with

Emre Akal (IF 2019), Nele Stuhler (IF 2016), Olivia Wenzel (IF 2017) – Texts

Mareike Beykirch (IF 2019), David Guy Kono (IF 2019), Leon Pfannenmüller (IF 2015) – Readings

Anna-Katharina Müller – Curation und Moderation (IF 2018)

Performing rights: S. Fischer Verlag GmbH Frankfurt/Main (Emre Akal, Nele Stuhler and Olivia Wenzel)