Greeting from the Mayor of the City of Zürich
Dear readers
In a few weeks the Landiwiese at Mythenquai will again be transformed into a unique cultural and meeting place. The Zürcher Theater Spektakel will take place – a festival that for decades has provided a catalyst for current debates in late summer with its diverse, outstanding programme. This year, too, we can expect a festival that allows us to reflect on current developments and changes and to take a new look at the world around us.
This year, for example, we will see productions about supposedly «other» bodies, about the recurring traumas of a post-war society, about mechanisms of exploitative industries and systems and – more intimately – about death and loss and the grief and uncertainty that they bring. But we will also see a breathtaking acrobatic show that deals with the challenges of being human and an intimate musical experience that tells us how the subjective and the universal are connected.
In a world that is becoming increasingly complex, the Theater Spektakel helps us finding our way. It opens up spaces where we can meet and learn from each other. Only in this way will we be able to imagine possible answers to the urgent questions that currently confront us.
I wish us all an unforgettable festival that will inspire and excite us.
Corinne Mauch
Greetings from our main partners
Zürcher Kantonalbank
Social responsibility is at the core of Zürcher Kantonalbank’s activities. Our aim is to support the Canton of Zurich in achieving its goals regarding the economy, the environment and society at large. The promotion of cultural diversity and social cohesion are of great importance to Zürcher Kantonalbank. For many years, our sponsorship of over 400 events is testimony to our commitment to a Canton of Zurich that we all can be proud of. Just one example is our position as the main partner of the Zürcher Theater Spektakel.
It is a matter close to our hearts that, together with the festival direction, we can offer sustainable, inclusive and participatory access to the most diverse forms of art. In addition, our ZKB Prizes encourage young talent to bring artistic works to the stage. In this way, we contribute to a festival with diverse encounters and surprising discoveries. We wish all visitors a stimulating and inspiring festival. We are all looking forward to it!
Mark Roth; Member of the Committee of the Board
Swiss Re
The Zürcher Theater Spektakel transforms the Landiwiese into a place of encounters and interchange in late summer. With its multifaceted artistic events on display, the festival continues to enthuse its audiences every year, offering us the opportunity to engage with the unknown with curiosity and openness.
This is an important way of looking at things, especially in these times of rapid change and widespread uncertainty. For the points of view presented at the Theater Spektakel can also be a source of new ideas in shaping our future. During the festival, we get to experience art as a positive force, encouraging food for thought and discussion. Dialogue can lead to change that can give us the confidence to actively shape the future. We are pleased to have supported the Theater Spektakel for almost 30 years and have been part of inspiring people to think and engage in dialogue.
Swiss Re wishes you an inspiring festival.
Guido Fürer; Swiss Re Country President Switzerland
Kanton Zürich
Once again, the Theater Spektakel takes place on this special meadow. An occasion of coming together and a celebration that welcomes the world to Zurich.
The location of the festival has a link with history. In 1939, the Swiss national exhibition – the «Landi» – took place on this same meadow. It opened at a difficult time and in the spirit of intellectual national defence. On the eve of the Second World War, Switzerland celebrated itself on the Landiwiese, looking to Swiss values, Swiss culture and Swiss uniqueness. In the face of uncertainty, the Landi evoked feelings of homeland and tradition. For over 40 years, the Theater Spektakel has invited the world to Zurich at this same meadow to present a colourful and diverse festival. Whereas the Landiwiese was once a symbol of isolation, the festival has made it a location of openness, community and cultural curiosity.
Jacqueline Fehr; Government Councillor
Greetings from our Media Partner
Tages-Anzeiger
In especially difficult times it is important that we engage with the world around us and with the values important to us. Culture makes a valuable contribution to this – apart from the pleasure it can give. The Theatre Spektakel is of great importance to the Swiss cultural scene. «Tages-Anzeiger» has supported the festival since its beginning. It is in line with our ambition as a major media group to contribute to a liberal society.
This year, the Landiwiese will once again be transformed into a backdrop for creative artists. The late summer festival creates a space to share in the performances of international artists. The Theater Spektakel will once again showcase the diversity and creativity of the international theatre scene as well as providing a stimulating atmosphere.
I wish that participants and audience alike will experience inspiring and attractive events. I am sure that the Theatre Spektakel will once again be a highlight in the cultural life of our city.
Dr. Pietro Supino; Publisher of «Tages-Anzeiger» and Chairman of TX Group AG