Brain Storm. Sturm im Kopf

The world demands a lot: performance, perfection, and confidence in a future that no longer offers any certainties. Ever since the pandemic, everyone has been talking about the mental health of the younger generation—but *Brain Storm* lets them take the stage themselves instead.

Inspired by Shakespeare , *Brain Storm: Storm in the Mind* explores the inner turmoil of young people in a wild, impulsive, yet tender pas de deux. Who dares to reveal their wounds? Who cries out their longing and pain to the world? No competition, no struggle for a place in the sun, no coldness, and no aloof detachment. Instead, a struggle for a kiss, a glance, a gentle touch.

Two artists, a chorus of young people, a DJ… That’s all it takes.

The starting point for this production by the fringe ensemble, in collaboration with partners from Italy and Romania, is not a finished theatrical script. In workshops held in Padua, Craiova, and Bonn, young people shared their experiences, questions, and perspectives. Using this material, Italian author Marta Dalla Via developed a performance text that combines motifs and characters from Shakespeare’s plays with the experiences of a young generation. Directed by Frank Heuel, the production—featuring a young international ensemble and a live DJ—creates a theatrical evening that blends Shakespeare, music, and documentary voices.

“Brain Storm. Sturm im Kopf” invites audiences to recognize their own experiences in the images and stories—and to engage in conversation with one another about them.

The performance takes place in German, English, Italian, and Romanian. Thanks to its unique theatrical form, it is easily understandable even without extensive language skills.nsemble.de

With Laura Maria Babaian and Mihnea Presură
Chorus: Leilani Basu-Weidner, Katharina Donat, Cosma Jünemann, Marla Kreuzberg, Meret Marie Mebus, Veronika Rachor, Charlotte Tienken, Sabrina Wagner

Text by Maria Dalla Via
Directed by Frank Heuel
Live DJ: Sofi Rex
Set and Costumes by Annika Ley

A co-production of Teatro Stabile del Veneto, Teatrul Național Marin Sorescu Craiova, and fringe ensemble Bonn