Four series in March

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

Last week, Simone Aughterlony's ‘Collapse in 5 Acts: There Is Porn of It’ celebrated its successful premiere and will then go on tour. In addition to productions, guest performances and showings that present artistic works, the Gessnerallee has regular series in its programme. Here, together with artists, editorial teams and initiatives, we have the opportunity to explore in-depth topics, use a setting in a variety of ways or take a look at ever-changing content.

In March, you have the opportunity to rediscover or continue following four of our series:

Tonight, 4 March, CORRECTIV.Schweiz will be discussing the international networking of right-wing extremists in the ‘Monthly Topics’ series.

On Wednesday, 25 March, members of the artasfoundation will be discussing concepts of socially engaged art with creators in ‘Art in Conflict’.

In the fourth and final edition of the sound research series ‘OPEN STUDIO’ (26–28 March), which has been a guest at Südbühne for three months now, choreographer, performer and sound artist Fazil On Yu develops a sound-narrative performance that makes the voices and stories of Black people in Switzerland and Europe audible.

And last but not least, Fatima Moumouni's successful talk format with party ‘Die Neue Unsicherheit – Disco Edition’ (27 March, 23 May, 19 June) returns to the Gessnerallee. Conversations that are thought-provoking, self-critical and unreservedly unsophisticated are brought to the stage here – and guests and presenter alike are left feeling unsettled. And afterwards, there's dancing.

Now for the overview of the programme, newspaper articles, news and everything else we want to share with you:

Programme for the week

4 March, 7.30 pm

‘Undercover among right-wing extremists’ by CORRECTIV.Schweiz

The currently best-known right-wing extremist organisation in Switzerland, Junge Tat, invites two AfD MPs to Kloten to talk about ‘remigration’. A team of journalists from Germany and Switzerland wanted to find out what was happening there. But how did they get this information? In this edition of the ‘Monthly Topics’ discussion series, find out how the journalists went about their work and what it takes to conduct undercover research. More information

4 to 7 March, 8 pm each evening, Helferei

‘Movements’ by Monika Truong + Accomplices

Based on the lives of three cultural pioneers and internationally renowned activists, ‘Movements’ explores, celebrates and questions social change in all its complexity – in an evening of festive and thoughtful ‘shout-outs’. Musician Zainab J Lascandri, a pioneer of the female rap scene in Zurich, and feminist artist and activist Salma Said, who was part of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, are accompanied by performer Steven Schoch, whose story is closely linked to queer and apartheid struggles in South Africa. More information

8 March, 5 pm

‘Body Archive(s) in Resonance – A First Insight’ by the dance me to the end collective

In 2026, the dance me to the end collective is focusing on exploring their body archive(s) and consciously relating them to the history of the Gessnerallee theatre. In their research, they weave individual biographical references to the institution with the history of the theatre and its protagonists since the 1980s. During the showing in the north wing, thematic movement research and improvisations create a resonance space based on physical knowledge, spatial memory and documentary traces. More information

Newspaper

The new issue of our newspaper is at the printers. It will be published on 10 March.

It's also worth taking a look back at our highlights from the last edition.

Role models provide guidance, inspiration and encouragement. The new issue of our newspaper focuses on personalities whose stories and work serve as role models – and who talk about big emotions, big fears and the possibility of meaning the whole world. This is also the inspiration behind Laura Leupi's ‘Thoughts on Theatre’ (only in German), which expresses the desire for precisely these experiences.

Artists Phil Hayes, Susanne Abelein and Tina Mantel spoke to journalist Aleksandra Hiltmann about ageing in the independent scene (only in German): about visibility, new challenges and the freedoms that come with time.

Marah Rikli explored the question of what a future might look like in which people with disabilities naturally occupy decision-making positions (only in German), talking to Inga Laas, Nina Mühlemann and Noa Winter.

Journalist Giulia Bernardi met musician Rita Roof (only in German) and recounts an artistic journey that began in the background and ultimately led to a solo career.

You can find an overview of all newspaper editions on our website.

Furthermore

Migros Culture Percentage disframe and Claire Cunningham Projects are organising the Micro-Lab ‘Spaces of Care and Companionship’ from 22 to 24 April 2026. They are looking for 2-3 disabled artists from all regions of Switzerland who would like to participate in the lab. In addition to experienced artists with disabilities, they also want to reach out to and invite newcomers. More information

Swiss artists and event organisers are invited to take part in a specially designed workshop with Saphir Ben Dakon (Migros Culture Percentage disframe) and Nadja Dias (Claire Cunningham Projects) on 23/24 April 2026.

The workshop will focus on anti-ableist and disability-sensitive approaches developed by people with disabilities, as well as on supporting artists and shaping production practices. More information

We wish you a good second half of the week.

The Gessnerallee team