Bauchgefühl
Who would like to have a baby and shouldn't? And who doesn't want to have babies but should? In an entertaining birth preparation course, performers from Theater Thikwa and the feminist collective hannsjana negotiate the big political questions that are posed to their bellies every day. For example, what goes in, beer, cake or children - and what is allowed to come out. In a humorous stage show, the performers in «Bauchgefühl» take responsibility for themselves and others, develop new forms of reproduction, parenthood and care - or consciously decide against sharing their bodies and their attention with anyone.
Theater Thikwa is considered to be «Germany’s most well-known theater where artists with and without so-called disabilities come together to make theater». Thikwa presents performances, dance theatre, text-based theatre and music theatre in its own venue in Berlin and in guest performances around the world with no fear of experimentation.
The artist collective hannsjana has been producing performances, audio tours and video works together since 2011. They always deal with complex topics and multi-layered places in a humorous, musical and scientific way. Their works have been shown at the Sophiensæle Berlin, the Nationaltheater Mannheim, the Lucerne Theatre and the inclusive Thikwa Theatre in Berlin, among others.
Following the performance on 17.5 there will be a discussion with the artists at 21:25.
Easy Read
Some people don't want others to have children, for example because they are disabled. Other people are expected to have children. But maybe they don't want to. This play deals with all these opinions in a very entertaining way.
Surtitles
The German spoken text is surtitled in German and English. The surtitles do not contain any additional information about sounds and music.
Sign Language Interpretation
The performance on May 16th will be translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). Places with good visibility to the interpreters are marked.
Interpreters: Mara Flückiger, Monika Beyeler
Audio description
German audio description will be available on May 17th. Headphones are available at the box office.
For people with visual disabilities
We'll be offering a tactile introduction / touch tour on May 17th at 19.00. Please book the touch tour at checkin@auawirleben.ch
The Schlachthaus Theater is equipped with a tactile ground surface indicators.
If you are attending the performance with an assistance dog, you can of course bring it into the auditorium. It is also possible to have it wait in an adjoining room during the performance. If you would like this, please contact us in advance at checkin@auawirleben.ch
For people with mobility disabilities
Schlachthaus Theater is accessible barrier-free and has a barrier-free toilet. In the hall of the Schlachthaus Theater, there are ground-level wheelchair spaces.
Relaxed Performance
This is a Relaxed Performance.
Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready.
Alternative seating (seats, cushions, etc.) is available. Beanbags are available in the front row for you to sit on. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance. Babies and children are welcome.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.
Content notes
This production thematizes parenthood, body politics, reproductive rights, and societal norms surrounding parenthood, particularly in the context of people with disabilities and the historical and ongoing discrimination they face regarding pregnancy and parenting.
This production features discussions of abortion, forced sterilization, and the legacy of National Socialism.
This production features interaction with the audience. Participation is entirely optional.
Sensory Triggers
Strobe lighting
Loud noises and sounds
Use of large props
Blackout
Special Check-In
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you'd like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs. Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch
Access Friend
At the Schlachthaus Theater, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people are identified and wear purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.
- Created and performed by
- Laura Besch, Heidi Bruck, Kristin Feuerer, Jule Gorke, Hannah Grzimek, Jasmin Lutze, Mereika Schulz, Katharina Siemann, Marie Weich
- Concept, Direction
- hannsjana
- Costumes, Set Design
- Jelka Plate
- Lighting
- Katri Kuusimäki
- Artistic Collaboration
- Merete Kaatz
- Technical Team
- Holger Duhn, Eric Scheller, Bruno Di Tillo
- Assistant Directors
- Inge Pabel, Kimberley Süptitz