Children open the Council of Generations – Future in Robert Koch Park!

Children open the Council of Generations – Future in Robert Koch Park!

Next week, the Theater der Junge Welt (TdJW) in Leipzig will present an innovative open-air production entitled “Hello Atmosphere”. This performance will take place from June 21st to 24th in Robert Koch Park and will appeal to both children and adults in a special way. The concept is based on an idea where children act as adults and interact directly with the audience. The aim is to focus on social issues such as climate change and intergenerational justice. This is part of a comprehensive project developed by TdJW in collaboration with the Dutch theater Artemis - an approach that combines artistic intervention with social reflection, and which the Culture Foundation of the Federal.

Dramaturg Justus Rothländer emphasizes the immense importance of making the voices of the younger generation heard in an increasingly aging society. The production will be staged by six children, while an audience of around 150 adults is expected. Criticisms of previous generational politics as well as pressing issues such as populism, the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine and the extinction of species are addressed confidently. In an experimental “Council of Generations”, 30 participants – including children, young people, adults and seniors – discuss questions relevant to the future and develop solutions that are to be presented publicly on the last day of the performance and handed over to politicians in Berlin.

A requiem for the climate

A central theme of the performance is the “Requiem on Climate Change”, which was created in close cooperation with the Dutch Theater Artemis. In it, children make strong and powerful statements about climate change, which not only creates an exciting theatrical experience, but also stimulates urgent social discussion. For example, statements about driving a car and the extinction of animals are brought to the fore. The texts come from a creative process in which school classes from Leipzig collected their thoughts and fears on the topic of climate change and set them to music.

The production will take place on an improvised stage, which includes elements such as a traffic light, tires and barriers. The children, who perform in fluorescent vests, use megaphones to communicate effectively with the audience. The format of the performance is similar to a choir rehearsal, in which the audience is encouraged to sing along following appropriate instructions. This creative mix of church service and karaoke is intended to strengthen shared experiences and encourage reflection.

The artistic direction

Liesbet Swings is responsible for the artistic direction of the “Hello Atmosphere” project, while Katrin Maiwald is responsible for the “Council of Generations”. Composer Keimpe de Jong contributes the musical elements to the production, while other local groups are involved: the Leipzig Children's Choir and the Secret Dramaturgical Society. The project aims to strengthen marginalized youth perspectives and expand democratic participation, especially at a time when young people are increasingly becoming a minority due to demographic developments.

With “Hello Atmosphere” the TdJW wants to set an example and promote dialogue between generations. This open and engaged approach to pressing societal issues could help formulate the necessary steps towards a fairer and more sustainable future, allowing children and young people to play a more active role in decision-making processes.