Performing Arts Season

In the page's words:

Myths about the creation of the world and rituals that connect people to nature and community foster a sense of identity and instill a reverence for life. They reveal the consequences of conflict, highlight human vulnerability, and at the same time form the historical roots of the performing arts. Against this backdrop, the 2026/27 Performing Arts Season explores whether contemporary performing arts today can bring people together, foster community, and open up new perspectives on life.

The fourth edition of the series opens on October 13, 2026, with the German premiere of Marina Abramović’s *Balkan Erotic Epic*. In this ritual lasting several hours, the artist combines ancient Balkan myths with contemporary performance and, together with over 30 participants, explores themes such as eroticism, spirituality, and tradition.

In November, Albanian director Mario Banushi will present his play *MAMI* for the first time in Germany—a poetic exploration of memory, origin, and the influence of femininity. Also in November, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker will celebrate the world premiere of GLA55, in which dance and the music of Philip Glass merge into a hypnotic stage experience.

In December, two major dance productions are on the program. Damien Jalet’s *Planet [wanderer]*, inspired by Japanese creation mythology, explores the connection between the body, nature, and the cosmos and is part of the “Focus Japan” program. In a double bill, Marie Chouinard combines her legendary *The Rite of Spring* with *MAGNIFICAT*, bridging the gap between ritual, spirituality, and contemporary dance.

In January 2027, the European premiere of Dumb Types’ multimedia performance from 2020 will follow. The production addresses themes such as artificial intelligence, surveillance, the climate crisis, and geopolitical conflicts, and is also part of the “Focus Japan” series.

Also in January, the Berliner Festspiele will present Gisèle Vienne’s new work, *Archives of Feelings*. In collaboration with the writer Marie NDiaye, she explores power dynamics and the social struggle for a life of dignity.

The 2026/27 Performing Arts Season views theater and performance not merely as entertainment, but as spaces for encounter and reflection. In the Berliner Festspiele’s anniversary year, it invites audiences to discover diverse perspectives and experience the unique power of shared artistic experiences.