Amélie. Image Courtesy of Claudie Ossard Productions.
I still remember the moment when I couldn’t log into Netflix anymore like one of those big monumental moments where you remember time and place when it happened. In 2023, Netflix started to cancel password sharing; I have been one of those avid users who binge-watched all of the new series without actually paying for the subscription. The initial reaction to no more Netflix was dreadful — how should I from now on watch a movie while scrolling through my phone so not even a single thought forms in my head? With the fear in mind, I didn’t instantly turn to subscribing to Netflix on my own, not only because of the rise on subscription costs across all streaming platforms, but more so because after a while, I forgot completely about it. Being online 24/7 isn’t cool anymore, our digital self is losing itself in boredom and is craving something new, something real.
Pretty Woman. Image Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures.
Cue theatre—the ancient art form everyone seems to have forgotten. Recently, a date surprised me with theatre tickets. Not just any date, but a first date. And yet, the most surprising part wasn’t the date itself but the idea that a twenty-something-year-old would actually choose to go to the theatre.
We went to Schaubühne and watched a performance of Dimitrij Schaad in The Silence about trans-generational trauma. As he delivered an impressive performance, I have found myself drawn to something beyond just the story but the experience itself; the small interactions with the audience, the ever occurring coughs, and the never-ending applause in the end. It felt as if the story wasn’t just unfolding on stage but through everyone in the room.
As we grow weary of content overload, drowning in endless streams of shows, maybe the answer isn’t more, it’s simpler than we think— it’s about returning to what we’ve always craved: human connection.
Today, in honour of World Theatre Day, SLEEK has curated ten must-see performances to pull you away from the screen and into the moment.
Image Courtesy of Gianmarco Bresadola.
“The Silence” at Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz
In The Silence, playwright and director Falk Richter takes a deep, reflective journey through his own family history and the relationship with his late father. The piece addresses the weight of generational trauma and the disquiet of personal silences, combining poignant family dynamics with larger themes of societal silence. Through a powerful, performance, the audience is invited to confront the past’s echoes that continue to shape the present.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Arno Declair.
“Changes” at Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz
Changes explores the intricate dynamics of a relationship in crisis. Set over a single day, Nina and Mark’s lives unravel as their respective personal and professional challenges push them to the brink. The play delves into themes of love, power, and the pressures of modern life, with a focus on how the fear of change can hinder growth.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Sophiensaele.
“Dawn” by Adam Seid Tahir at Sophiensaele
Dawn brings Norse mythology into the present by blending Nordic storytelling with queer Afro-Nordic perspectives. In this performance, the concepts of light, dark, day, and night are reinterpreted through the lens of a Black queer identity. The production is visually and sonically immersive, combining elements of dance, theater, and live music to create a rich, thought-provoking narrative about identity, legacy, and transformation.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Bettina Stöß.
“Aida” at Deutsche Oper Berlin
Verdi’s Aida is a grand opera of love, betrayal, and the clash of civilizations. The narrative centers around Aida, an Ethiopian princess captured as a slave in Egypt, who falls in love with the Egyptian military commander Radames. However, both are bound by duty to their respective nations, leading to a tragic conflict. The opera’s famous arias and the emotional depth of its characters will captivate audiences as the themes of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice unfold.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Maxim Gorki Theater.
“Carmen” at Maxim Gorki Theater
Georges Bizet’s Carmen is a passionate and dramatic tale of love and obsession set in Spain. The opera follows Carmen, a free-spirited, seductive woman who captures the heart of the soldier Don José. As their love spirals into jealousy and violence, the opera explores themes of fate, freedom, and the consequences of love and obsession. This rendition may feature an updated interpretation that highlights Carmen’s complexity and resilience, bringing the timeless story into a contemporary context.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Thomas Aurin.
“The Hunger” at Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
The Hunger is a poignant and raw exploration of the violence embedded within the colonization of the Americas. The performance traces the lives of the indigenous survivors of Spanish colonization, focusing on the themes of survival, trauma, and revenge. Using a mix of contemporary and historical elements, the show sheds light on the untold stories of the oppressed, transforming history into a powerful, reflective theatrical experience.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Berliner Ensemble.
“Heroes” at Berliner Ensemble
Heroes presents a tribute to Berlin’s cultural and artistic influence, blending reading, concert, and performance in a multifaceted homage to the city. The production integrates iconic works of literature with the music of David Bowie, celebrating the city’s rich history of counterculture and resistance. The performance becomes a reflection on heroism, not through grandiose figures but through the everyday, unspoken acts of resistance and rebellion.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Sophiensaele.
“null&void” by Agata Siniarska at Sophiensaele
null&void is an experimental performance that questions the very fabric of human existence and the human impact on the environment. Using a blend of physical performance, sound design, and multimedia, the piece explores how war, both literal and metaphorical, influences the planet’s resources. The production weaves together the experiences of humans, landscapes, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects to challenge traditional narratives and provoke deep reflection.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of Arne Vogelgesang.
“Neues Fleisch” at Deutsches Theater
Neues Fleisch offers a powerful virtual reality performance that immerses the audience in an innovative, individual experience. The piece explores the boundaries between reality and simulation, questioning how technology, identity, and perception intersect. The interactive nature of the performance forces the audience to become active participants in a narrative that blurs the line between the physical world and the virtual one.
Find out more here.
Image Courtesy of DJ SchluchT.
“Psychic Liberation” at Volksbühne – Roter Salon
Psychic Liberation is a series of experimental music performances that aim to explore and free the mind through sound. Featuring an eclectic mix of artists, including Nick Klein, Audrey Chen, and Tin Tin Patrone, the series challenges the audience to break free from conventional music experiences. The performances explore a wide range of sonic textures and improvisation, opening up the possibility for new forms of musical and mental liberation.
Find out more here.