The programme in April

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

We already suspected that it would be great, but the production ‘PERSPECTIVES’ by Anna Chiedza Spörri, combined with the highly relevant topic of racism in the form of microaggressions, great performers and an incredibly fantastic, mixed-age audience, far exceeded our expectations. We haven't had much experience with young audiences this season, but since last week's shows, we've been fans of young people in secondary school.

And we continue, not necessarily with a programme suitable for young people, but with a good mix of theatre, talks, music and a pinch of opera.

Before the end of March, it is worth attending the concert by Murnau's Head on 28 March in Stall6 and checking out the music programme of the March Mix by Year-To-Date in the Südbühne. April then offers a variety of opportunities to visit us.

An overview of everything that awaits you at Gessnerallee in April:

3, 5, 8 and 10 April, 8 pm

‘MITOSIS - an LSD Opera’ by Brandy Butler

At the centre of ‘MITOSIS’ is dying - and a controversial substance that is currently experiencing a renaissance: LSD. This hallucinogen, which once fell into disrepute, is now being studied scientifically. It is said to alleviate the fear of death. Over two years, a transdisciplinary team led by director Brandy Butler explored this promising area of research. The result is ‘MITOSIS’ - an intense and devotional piece of music theatre, an opera about dying. You can find out more about the work in the interview with Brandy Butler and Aleksandra Hiltmann in the Gessnerallee newspaper, and you can find out more about Brandy Butler herself in the interview with Sandra Brun in the Swiss magazine ‘Annabelle’. They are worth reading, and so is booking tickets.

5 April, 3 to 7 pm

‘KAFi Q, spring edition’: an inclusive performance café

The inclusive performance café is coming back to Stall6. After a successful winter edition in January on the topic of ‘New Beginnings’, KAFi Q is now focusing on the topic of transformations. KAFi Q invites the audience to join them in dressing up and getting ready for spring, in a room full of surprises.

There will be something to eat and drink, and there will be singing. More information

12 April, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FAIRCHECK#02 of the FAIRSPEC initiative

FAIRCHECK#02 is an event organised by the Zurich-based FAIRSPEC initiative, which aims to establish ethical guidelines and working methods in the independent scene. The programme includes an input on the focus from a structural perspective, a discussion with Pia Ringel (FLUX crew) and Kathrin Walde (artFAQ), a discussion in plenary and an exchange in small groups. Visitors' physical well-being will be catered for - with breaks, coffee and croissants and lunch. More information

12 April, 9 pm

‘THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST’ by Julian Zigerli

The Zurich fashion designer presents his latest collections in an exclusive showcase. The label is famous for its collaborations with artists from a wide variety of fields. This time with performances and music by Ramón Oliveras, Gregory Tara Hari, Samuel Schneider and others. The fashion show will be followed by an afterparty at Stall6. To the tickets

19 April, 8 pm

‘Residue of the Heart’ with Jalalu-Kalvert Nelson and Studio Dan

In a combination of ritual and mythical elements as well as avant-garde art practices from the 70s and 80s, the ensemble Studio Dan and Jalalu-Kalvert Nelson perform their compositions and those of Meredith Monk. An invitation to the ‘remnants of the heart’. More information

23 April, 5.30 pm

‘Art in Conflict: Transforming political imagination through sound’ by artasfoundation

Artistic creation in crisis regions is confronted with challenging questions. In this series of monthly talks, different actors come together to reflect on their experiences in the form of a round table discussion. This time with Stas Shärifullá/HMOT (artist and researcher in the field of sound and listening practice). More information

Furthermore

From September 2025, artFAQ, the production platform for dance, theatre and performance in the Zurich region, is offering a 10-month production assistant in cooperation with Lara Anderegg, Zirkusquartier Zürich, Philip Neuberger and Blickfelder Festival. This position offers insights into four different fields of work in the independent theatre scene. Selected individuals will work directly on the production - from concept and fundraising to touring. The application deadline is 22 April 2025, and interviews are scheduled for 12 and 13 May. The job advertisement with all further information can be found on the artFAQ website or here.

There is a lot to discuss, a lot to learn and a lot of comfort in this disturbing world. We are looking forward to it.

The Gessnerallee team

PS: Do you enjoy good cultural stories? Or do you know someone who doesn't like going to the theatre so much, but loves reading? Then we recommend a subscription to our printed newspaper, which is published four times a season. It costs CHF 20 (excl. postage) and you can order it directly at zeitung@gessnerallee.ch.