The first evening of »Mit Wirkung« is dedicated to learning together. In small groups, topics relating to anti-Semitism, racism and repression are made accessible for a differentiated and complex discussion that invites the audience to ask questions, read and exchange ideas with experts and each other.
The second part of »Mit Wirkung. Eine Relaxed Veranstaltungsreihe über intensiven Themen« will take place on 12 December at 18:00: »Mit Sprechen«
Soft Arrival: Between 18:00 and 18:30, visitors can slowly arrive in the room. Breaks are scheduled approximately every 45′. Each break lasts 15′.
Notes on access
If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Agnieszka Habraschka. Agnieszka will be present at the event as an access person and will support you with all questions/needs relating to accessibility.
Four groups work on the first floor and are accessible without stairs. One of the groups will work on the third floor (36 steps). Another group will work on the fourth floor (54 steps). We will decide which group works where according to their needs.
General Note on Content and Sensory Stimuli
Mit Wirkung addresses antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism in Germany.
All groups involve participant engagement through discussions or presentations of their work in small or large groups (participation is entirely optional). Increased noise levels during group work in the hall! Smells of food may be present during the group work.
Below you will find detailed content information, information on sensory stimuli for each work group and information on kitchen allergens.
Relaxed Performance
The events take place in a relaxed atmosphere.
Various forms of attention are welcome. There will be various seating options, stim toys*, blankets, drinks and food (including gluten-free and vegan alternatives). You can move around during the event, sit or lie down and use stim toys*. You can take your own breaks and go out and come back in at any time.
Sitting options
Chairs, beanbags, seat cushions, carpets
Retreat room
There is a retreat room with beanbags, loungers, blankets and stim toys*. *Stim toys are small, calming objects such as stress balls, plasticine or pressure rings that help neurodivergent people in particular to regulate their nervous system.
What is a relaxed event?
Relaxed events are based on the Relaxed Performance format and aim to offer accessibility especially for neurodivergent people, people with chronic illnesses/pain/people with invisible disabilities. Accessibility is not added as an afterthought, but is part of the event concept. As with theater performances, there are often implicit rules of conduct at events that make it difficult for neurodivergent people or people with chronic illnesses/pain to participate fully. Examples of this include expectations to sit still on chairs, to move little or not to take independent breaks. Such conventions make it difficult for many people to participate. These rules/expectations should be removed with the relaxed event format.
Relaxed formats also offer a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with emotionally draining or trauma-related topics. At the beginning of each event, we share various physical exercises with you that are designed to calm the central nervous system and that you can do individually or together as a group.
Relaxed Content/sensory stimuli/allergens:
Tomer Dotan-Dreyfus reads/liest Jacqueline Kahanoff.
Text in English, conversation in German/English
Text auf Englisch, Gespräch auf Deutsch/Englisch
-The text explores Jewish, Muslim, and Christian identities as well as tensions and misunderstandings between them.
-Mentions the story of Passover, the Exodus, and the Ten Plagues.
-Describes conflicts of identity.
-A friendship between children of different religions breaks down due to cultural differences.
-Discusses the Ten Plagues and their impact on Egyptian people. Celan:
-Explores identity, intimacy, and otherness.
-The poem addresses loss and pain connected to personal and collective history.
-Possible references to mourning, memory, and guilt associated with exile and separation.
-Depicts closeness, intimacy, pain, and loss. Lina Majdalanie reads/liest Brecht
Text in German/English, conversation in English
Text auf Deutsch/Englisch, Gespräch auf Englisch Anrede an den Kongressausschuss für unamerikanische Betätigungen in Washington, 1947 -The text describes personal experiences of persecution under the Nazi regime and forced exile.
-Depicts life in exile for many writers and artists, as well as the associated cultural losses.
-Themes of censorship and cultural and artistic suppression.
-References to the horrors of war.
-Mentions poverty, homelessness, and the destruction of livelihoods in the post-war period.
-Highlights state control and restrictions on artistic expression. /b>
-Notes the possibility of a global war and the complete annihilation of humanity. Wir Neunzehn -Academic language.
-Themes of political persecution and state oppression.
-References to ideological purges and public humiliation of cultural workers.
-Descriptions of existential threats through the loss of livelihoods (blacklists).
-Metaphorical language suggesting violence (e.g., “stake” against innocents).
-Depictions of fear, intimidation, and psychological pressure from state and economic power structures.
-Ableism-insensitive language: The text uses the phrase “blind obedience” to critique unconditional compliance and lack of reflection.
Sisi Bo’wale – COLLAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
conversation in English/German
Gespräch auf Englisch/Deutsch
-The group activity addresses themes such as antisemitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Black racism, and the impacts of systemic oppression.
-It explores the censorship of voices, the creation of counter-narratives, and the role of resistance.
-The activity reflects personal or collective emotions such as anger, grief, hope, or empathy. /b>
-Examines the connections between different forms of oppression and their impact on various communities.
-A safe space is aimed for, to share complex emotions and thoughts in a supportive environment. Sensory Stimuli:
-he activity involves the use of scissors and glue.
-Possible sounds of paper being cut or torn.
Dr. Nahed Samour reads/liest Edward Said
Text/Video in English, conversation in German
Text/Video auf Englisch, Gespräch auf Deutsch
-Mentions of corruption, conformity, and the instrumentalization of intellectuals by powerful institutions or ideologies.
Wael Esakndar views/schaut Black Mirror
Video in English with German Subtitles.
Conversation in English
Video auf Englisch mit deutschen Untertiteln.
Gespräch auf Englisch
Conten Notes:
-Violence and War: Depiction of military operations with deadly confrontations and weapons.
-Manipulation of Perception: Themes of technological manipulation of reality and its ethical implications.
-Dehumanization: The episode portrays how technology causes people to perceive others as less human.
-Psychological Strain: Depiction of trauma, guilt, and the psychological effects of war.
-Racist and Social Discrimination: Subtext addressing the dehumanization of minorities and systemic oppression.
-Explicit Violence: Scenes involving physical violence, blood, and injuries.
Sensory Stimuli:
-Loud Gunshots and Explosions: Frequent, intense noises from military confrontations.
-Visually Graphic Violent Scenes: Detailed close-ups of combat and injuries.
-Dark Color Palette: Cold, dark, and gray tones dominate the setting.
-Technologically Altered Audio and Video Effects: Distorted sounds and visual effects representing the manipulated perception of the protagonists.
-Strong Contrasts: Shifts between intense, fast-paced action and quiet, unsettling moments.
Allex. Fassberg – Writing Group
Writing possible in any language, Schreiben in jeder Sprache möglich,
Conversation in German/English, Gespräch auf Deutsch/Englisch
-Experiences of antisemitism.
-Experiences of racism (particularly anti-Muslim racism).
-Oppression.
-Silencing of diverse voices.
-Exclusion.
KÜFA
Allergens:
-Gluten: Gluten-containing bread is available, with a gluten-free alternative.
-Milk/Lactose or Soy: Options include dairy products with a soy-based alternative.
-Soy or Milk/Lactose: Options include soy products with a dairy-based alternative.
-Garlic.
-Coriander.
-Paprika
Rooms
There is continuous, step-free and level access (incl. kerb ramp) from the street to the building and to the hall with a width of at least 150 cm. The floor surface in the courtyard is slightly uneven.
Most performances take place in the auditorium, which is at ground level. The hall is entered through a 194 cm wide double door. Then there is a second double door, which has an entrance dimension of 180 cm. The third double door, through which the audience enters the auditorium, is 136 cm wide. There is no lift.
In good weather, the bar is at ground level in the courtyard, in bad weather unfortunately only accessible via a staircase on the second floor. This bar is not accessible for wheelchair users. There are 17 steps between the first floor and the second floor.
There is space for wheelchairs or walking frames in the event hall/area and there is the option of reserving a particularly suitable seat and/or entering the hall early.
Barrierefree WC
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the first floor of the building. Access to this toilet is via the corridor and is 198 cm wide. The entrance to the toilet is 79 cm wide.
How to find us
The nearest stop is U-Bahnhof Eberswalderstr.
The underground station has an elevator. The underground station is located at an intersection with a lot of car and pedestrian traffic. From there, parts of the way to Ballhaus Ost are on cobblestones.
The theater entrance is through the archway in the courtyard of the building at Pappelallee 15.
Parking options
In Pappelallee there are parking spaces in the public area on the roadside. The theater cannot offer its own parking spaces.