Afterglow is good, anticipation is even better

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

We look back with pleasure on last week and in particular on the sold-out second edition of the ‘Monthly Topics’ discussion series with REFLEKT research team. We are therefore all the more excited about the next edition on 7 January with CORRECTIV.Schweiz on the topic of visible and invisible barriers.

And we are eagerly looking forward to tonight, when we can finally celebrate the premiere of Phil Hayes' ‘Desperate Measures’. We can already say that it will be fun, with amazing transformations and lots of great music. In journalist Aleksandra Hiltmann's portrait ‘My body is my story’ (only in German) with Phil Hayes, Tina Mantel and Susanne Abelein, you can read why, after 50, it's far from over in the independent scene – on the contrary, it can be a lot of fun.

Speaking of fun, here are a few tips for planning your next few days:

Programme

If you're feeling spontaneous, drop by ‘Desperate Measures’ tonight and get your name on the waiting list, or tune in online today to Criptonite's ‘Care Web: Exchange Dramaturgy Blind’.

Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can simply drop by without prior registration for the reading by the Autonomous School ‘Schreiben und Bleiben’ (Writing and Staying) from the ‘Papierlose Zeitung’ on 11 December, or buy a ticket today for one of the next performances of ‘Desperate Measures’ from 12 to 14 December.

The daring can hang around in front of the Südbühne theatre before the sold-out shows ‘Imagine a Black Child’ by Zainab J Lascandri and Fatima Moumouni, Tracy September and Brandy Butler on 16, 17 and 18 December to see if they can still get in via the waiting list.

Those with foresight are already looking forward to March, because this month the Gessnerallee is presenting four international, top-class guest performances. Three of these are in cooperation with Steps, the Migros Culture Percentage Dance Festival: on 10 March, ‘Sphynx’ by tanzmainz by Rafaële Giovanola; on 13 and 14 March, ‘IN THE BRAIN’ by Shechter II, Hofesh Shechter; and on 18 March, ‘Dances Like a Bomb’ by Junk Ensemble, Jessica & Megan Kennedy. And on 29 March, the theatre event of the last two years: the play ‘CADELA FORÇA TRILOGY – Chapter I: The Bride and the Goodnight Cinderella’ by Carolina Bianchi Y Cara de Cavalo.

You can find an overview of the 2025/26 programme on our website.

Newspaper

Role models provide guidance, are sources of inspiration and encourage us. In the sixth edition of the Gessnerallee Zeitung, published today, we meet various personalities who serve as role models due to their stories, experiences or activities. Artists Phil Hayes, Susanne Abelein and Tina Mantel belong to the first generation of theatre and dance professionals who are ageing in the independent scene. They describe to journalist Aleksandra Hiltmann the challenges they face and the new freedoms they have gained.

‘My body is my story’ by Aleksandra Hiltmann (only in German)

How do you age on stage? What challenges do ageing artists working in the independent scene face? Three people who know tell their stories. Read the article

If you enjoy reading the article, you can subscribe to our newspaper, which is published four times a season in print. Perfect for anyone who loves good (cultural) stories and enjoys reading in style. Further insights can be found on our website. To subscribe, simply send a short email to: zeitung@gessnerallee.ch.

Furthermore

For many, the festive gift-giving marathon is about to begin – how about you? Already have some ideas or still looking for inspiration?

How about an annual pass for Gessnerallee? With this, you can give the gift of culture, drama, humour and food for thought – without having to take centre stage yourself. You can order it by sending a short email to: kasse@gessnerallee.ch or directly via the website.

We look forward to your visit.

The Gessnerallee team