The programme in January

Dear visitors to Gessnerallee, dear artists

Wrap up warm. It will remain cold outside over the next few days, but our programme for January will probably make it difficult for you to stay at home. Here is a brief overview of the programme:

Debate and discourse with CORRECTIV.Schweiz and artasfoundation

Full of anticipation, we are kicking off the new year at 7.30 pm today (7 January) with the third instalment of the ‘Monthly Topics’ discussion series – this time with the CORRECTIV.Schweiz research centre and a focus on visible and invisible barriers.

A week later, the artasfoundation's ‘Art in Conflict’ discussion series on artistic creation in crisis areas (14 January) will focus on self-organised cultural networks.

Two premieres by DIVAS and RRRRRR Collective

In January, there are two new productions by local artists to discover: ‘Glistening (Remembering the Unknown)’ by DIVAS (14–18 January) gradually unfolds a bizarre, sometimes creepy yet seductive alternative world of bodies, sound, water and light. A band of fools in mystical costumes stubbornly and charmingly defy the laws of normality.

In ‘Wen Keng We Meet? – On Connection’ (29–31 January), the Euro-Asian RRRRRR Collective, consisting of Keng Chen, Wen-Chi Liu, Dino Radoncic, Eneas Prawdzic, Nathalie Stirnimann and Stefan Stojanovic, asks how we can stay connected despite the return of borders, divisions and geopolitical tensions.

For young and old alike, with Old Masters and Rita Roof

One weekend in January is dedicated especially to audiences of all ages. In the playful, astonishing work ‘Das Haus meines Geistes’ (The House of My Spirit) by Old Masters (public performance on 24 January), a clique of three friends has made it their speciality to use things in ways we would not expect. They create a panopticon of images, objects and visions for curious viewers aged 4 and up.

One day later, on Sunday, 25 January, music fans of all ages will get their money's worth when exceptional singer Rita Roof comes to Stall6 as part of the children's concert series.

Artistic research with the ‘Pain Lab’

The ‘Pain Lab’, which takes place from 27 January to 1 February, is a laboratory for artistic research, exchange and inspiration that deals with the theme of chronic, invisible pain (physical and/or psychological). It offers eight artists the opportunity to explore the creative and political potential of chronic pain together.

And then ‘Relaxed Partying’ at the beginning of February

How can celebrations and party formats be made accessible for neurodivergent and chronically ill people? Lovis Heuss has been active as an artist, DJ (Midnight Snack Collective) and drag artist (The Heart Throb Mob) in club contexts for years and, in the two-day event ‘Relaxed Partying’ (7 and 8 February), together with the Gessnerallee and interested event organisers and communities, how neurodivergent and chronically ill knowledge and counselling expertise can be better utilised in the context of partying.

Newspaper

‘What do I actually want?’ (only in German)

Rita Roof has been performing on stage as a singer for over 20 years – initially always in the background, never in the media spotlight. About her journey to becoming a solo artist and the courage to take up space. Read article

Furthermore

We are looking for a lighting technician (60–70%) to start in August 2026 or by agreement. We look forward to receiving your application by 27 February 2026 at veserwalther@gessnerallee.ch. To the job advertisement

The City of Zurich is looking for 1–2 jury members to fill current vacancies on the Dance and Theatre Concept Funding Jury, starting on 1 September 2026 or by agreement. To the advertisement

And productions that are premiering a play in autumn 2026 and would like to test it in front of an audience as part of a try-out can apply for the ‘Hecht Jetzt’ festival. The festival will take place from 17 to 20 June 2026, and the application deadline is 25 January 2026. All information about the festival and the competition can be found at Theater Am Hechtplatz | Hecht Jetzt Call for applications.

We wish you a pleasant arrival in 2026 and look forward to your visit.

The Gessnerallee team