It has been a while since I last wrote about what has been going on behind the scenes (quite literally!) at Urban Theatre. A very short answer would be “a lot,” but this cozy blog is not the place for short answers. As today is a public holiday in Germany and the weather is whispering “pour yourself a hot mug of tea,” I invite you to join me for a glimpse into the new production in the making.

New Project
Since the Theatre Lab “Focal Point” in February, Urban Theatre has been immersed in developing a new play, Macht. Krieg. Frieden (?). This time, the project is being developed in cooperation with the Berlin Globe Theatre. The production brings to life what would otherwise be impossible: three brilliant thinkers and writers meet and unite within a single theatre performance. William Shakespeare’s play Henry V provides the conceptual framework and opens the door for the texts of Niccolò Machiavelli and Hannah Arendt to find their voices. This chorus will be heard loud and clear on June 20 for the first time.

Power
This upcoming play opens up a striking discussion around one of the most fascinating topics within and beyond management studies: power. Power has occupied the minds of philosophers, writers, and practitioners for millennia, and the spectrum between Aristotle and J.R.R. Tolkien offers something for every taste. As popularised by Thomas Aquinas (drawing on Aristotle), power represents one of the earthly substitutes for divine fulfillment, alongside money, fame, and hedonistic pleasure. In this sense, it is a currency of its own. At the same time — how is power related to respect? Does it arise from mutual consent, or can it also be built on fear alone? Can you truly possess it if it has not been deliberately granted to you? Where are the boundaries between freedom, empowerment, power, ownership, and violence? To what extent does having power impact one’s intellectual capacity? Very few of us lucky ducks find the time or occasion in our daily lives to consciously reflect on these questions. But theatre, with its unity of time, place, and action, offers just that. The upcoming production is a marvellous opportunity to indulge in some reflection — and it could not be timelier.

Integration
As I have been following the development of Urban Theatre closely, I cannot help noticing another phenomenon that I find almost more exciting than what happens on stage. I can observe transformation and integration unfolding before my eyes in real time. With every project realised and every performance delivered, this small yet bold theatre becomes increasingly woven into the cultural fabric of Berlin — and of Germany. This includes all facets of integration: cultural orientation, command of the language, actual belonging, and the sense of belonging in a new reality. The collaboration with the Globe Theatre reflects this evolution. Through its very existence, Urban Theatre sends a powerful message — against all odds — within today’s challenging context.

Moreover, this integration is happening on more levels than meet the eye. What do I mean by that — and what does the Lions Club Spandau have to do with it? Well, that’s a story of its own, and it deserves a dedicated entry. So see you in two weeks — same time, same place, hopefully with warmer weather!