Input Theater

Input Theatre was a series of stage plays by and with artists with migration experience, dedicated to global development topics.

IN SHORT

  • Mandate by HEKS/EPER and Fastenaktion
  • 2015-2023 (building on a long-standing partnership; HEKS and Fastenaktion were among the founding organisations of artlink in 1984)
  • Directed at a diverse and broad audience, including schools and congregations

What was the Input Theatre?

Input Theatre was part of a collaboration between artlink and the two non-governmental organisations HEKS/EPER and Fastenaktion. On behalf of these two partners, each year, artlink produced and promoted a theatre piece addressing a topic related to climate justice, consumption, commodities and trade, access to land and seeds, or gender justice. The productions were always centred around the annual theme of the ecumenical campaign organised by HEKS and Fastenaktion, a humanitarian fundraising campaign that takes place during the two months leading up to Easter.

Writers and performers with migration experience created and performed the pieces, bringing diverse and transcultural perspectives to the stage. The productions were solo performances lasting around 20 minutes and required very little in terms of props or technical equipment. Thus, the plays could be performed in a wide range of settings with minimal logistical effort, reaching a broad audience.

Why was the Input Theatre important?

Input Theatre raised awareness among audiences about global development issues, captivating them with new and unexpected perspectives. It also created visibility for the migrant theatre-makers involved in the productions.

 

Archive: The last two plays

The last drops (2023)

Written and performed by: Lubna Abou Kheir

Slanda comes from the past to tell us that there is still a chance for us to live in the future. There is wheat and water, enough for everyone to live. From every grain of wheat and a little water, an ear of grain can grow.

Slanda is already in the audience when the performance begins. She moves among the spectators, handing out grains of wheat, and begins to tell her story. She then steps onto the stage, moving to the rhythm of the story as she recalls the wheat and water of her home in Syria. Now standing on the iron platform that once covered the 'water room', she tells her story to the rhythm of the traditional Dabke dance. Finally, Slanda leaves the stage – the water, the wheat and the rhythm remain in the space.

Ajala – Earth (2022)

Written by Donat Blum, performed by Anjali Keshava und Sumitra Keshava

Ajala is a climate scientist and astronaut. In Ajala – Erde, she speaks about her time aboard the ISS, where she observed the southern part of the Earth – the region where her parents were born – drying up, while the northern part of the planet, where she now lives, shines brightly. Through Indian dance and an exchange with the audience, she explores our relationship with the planet.

How much space do we want to occupy on Earth? Do we want to save the planet, or should we look for a new home in space? Through the medium of theatre, Ajala explores climate justice together with the audience. The performance opens up a multifaceted space for reflection and invites audiences to engage with this global issue.