Updated info: Conference, Concept, ArtistiC programme [pdf 800kb]

Berlin is different. Here big plans can fail; here many things are carried out as Plan B. And remain in motion twenty years after the Fall of the Wall. For the sheer joy of it and out of necessity, artists go beyond the simple alternative in order to work and live for a visionary Plan C – on the stage and in their studios. The city lives from this force, this energy that causes Berlin to radiate internationally. In the process, C also stands for culture, creativity, collaboration…a plan not only meant for culture, but also as a vision meant to change society.

Berlin is different. This is the catchphrase of the hour in the international theater scene. With this in mind, Berlin theaters, artists and institutions have invited 500 culture experts from all over Europe to Berlin. From April 15th to 18th they will discuss their Plan C – new perspectives and creative challenges for tomorrow’s society. This debate is initiated in collaboration with one of Europe’s most successful cultural networks, the International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts (IETM).

“The Independent scene in particular is in an enormously difficult situation,” writes Dirk Pilz on the following pages, referring most to the lack of funding, while at the same time he sees here “the reason why the dance and theater scene is so dynamic: it forces everyone to find original, experimental, and naturally creative solutions to the overall situation.”

In one of the following interviews, Stefan Kaegi of Rimini Protokoll offers his advice to politicians regarding the solution to many crises: Abolish the right to inheritance. Have the homeless use state theaters and markets now and then. Copy a life-size replica of America into China. Then send everyone to Mars. Learn from insects.

When hundreds of culture experts and artists spend a weekend in Berlin, they not only discuss Plan C; they also see the dance and theater produced in this city.

As a joint statement of Berlin’s theater scene, the selected stagings and artistic projects presented over this weekend appear under the heading of Plan C. Over 50 productions by international artists in Berlin put their audiences in the mood for the alternative and cordially invite them to experience an evening of Plan C.

Stay creative!
Wishes the Berlin Plan-C Team