Students from the MA in Theatre Direction and undergraduate programme in Drama and Theatre Studies have visited the Berlin Schaubühne theatre.
During their week-long visit, the 25 students met the theatre’s Artistic Director Thomas Ostermeier, one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary theatre directors, who was awarded the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale for his lifework in 2011.
Students attended performances at the theatre, and had sessions with the theatre’s head dramaturg, as well as the education officer, learning about theatre programming in the German repertory system, the preparatory work behind new theatre productions, and the Schaubühne‘s approach to education and outreach work for schools and people of all ages.
On the final day of their visit, the students also explored the usually hidden areas beneath, above and beyond the theatre’s three stages. As part of the visit to Berlin, Kent’s Professor of Theatre Robert Shaughnessy, a specialist in Shakespeare performance, attended a rehearsal of Ostermeier for his forthcoming production of Richard III, giving a lecture to the cast and the creative team.
The visit continued an ongoing partnership between the Berlin-based theatre, whose productions tour to festivals and theatres around the world, and the Kent-based European Theatre Research Network (ETRN), which also includes several research projects leading towards two forthcoming book publications.
For further information, please contact Peter Boenisch.