Stammtisch
Sitting around a large table and coming together in conversation – the «Stammtisch» has become an established meeting point at the Theater Spektakel for sharing ideas and perspectives. Each evening, the table is hosted by one or more guests from diverse back- grounds: artists, activists, and individuals engaged in political and social issues. Their reflections on current societal questions form the starting point for the table talks, expanding on the themes and questions that international artists bring to Zurich with their work. Our guests open the conversation, what happens next is up to you.
ANNA IDA FIERZ & MANUELA LIEM
Das Klima der Kunst
Fri 15.8. / German
The climate crisis – one of the greatest threats to humanity – is far less visible in the media and daily life today than a few years ago. Three productions during the festival’s opening weekend each address its consequences in different ways. Anna Ida Fierz (tre!bhaus Klimapodcast) speaks with Manuela Liem (political scientist from Klima Allianz/ Ok Klima) about the role of art in relation to science, media, and politics.
MAJA GÖPEL
Verbinden statt spalten
Sat 16.8. / German
In times of escalating crises and polarization, the question of shared values becomes more urgent than ever. Prof. Dr. Maja Göpel,political economist and transformation expert, joins the Stammtisch to discuss with the audience how we can strengthen democratic values such as equity, transparency, and collaboration – in order to shape a more just and sustainable society.
GABRIELA CARNEIRO DA CUNHA & FABIANA KURIKI
Acts of Witness and Resilience
Sun 17.8. / English
In «Tapajós», Brazilian director Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha explores the intertwined stories of the Tapajós River and the Indigenous Munduruku people, who have long resisted the devastating impact of gold mining in the Amazon. At the Stammtisch, she joins Fabiana Kuriki from Coletivo Taoca to discuss her long-term research, the act of witnessing, resistance, and resilience.
ALI SONAY & TIM ZULAUF
Körper der Demokratie
Mon 18.8. / German
The protest movements in Turkey stand as powerful examples of democratic mobilization against authoritarian forces. What is the performative potential of street protests? Dr. Ali Sonay (Middle East Studies, University of Bern) engages in dialogue with theatre maker Tim Zulauf to explore the lasting effects on democratic structures – and on the bodies that carry them.
CARRIE SHELVER, POOJA BADARINATH & ANTJE SCHUPP
Empty Chairs, Powerful Voices
Tue 19.8. / English
What does participation at the UN really mean? The feminist campaign #EmptyChairs aims to transform the Human Rights Councilinto a «People’s Council» – shaped by those historically excluded. Activists Carrie Shelver and Pooja Badarinath join artist Antje Schuppto discuss political art and resistance.
JOSEFINA CERDA & SEXWORKERS COLLECTIVE
Empowerment and Social Justice in Sex Work
Wed 20.8. / English
While sex work is legal in Switzerland, it remains heavily stigmatised – and sex workers are often denied access to basic labour rights. In her performance «Feral», Chilean artist Josefina Cerda explores how sex work can also be understood as a form of resistant feminist practice. Together with representatives of the Sexworkers Collective, she discusses empowerment and structural recognition within the sex industry.
FIZ, ALI CHAHROUR & TEAM
Against Human Trafficking and Exploitation
Thu 21.8. / English
For 40 years, the Swiss organization FIZ – Advocacy and Support for Migrant Women and Victims of Trafficking – has been committed to defending the rights of migrants affected by violence and exploitation. FIZ offers counselling, protection, and engages in political advocacy. In «When I Saw the Sea» by Ali Chahrour, three women share their experiences with the Kafala system and the struggle for migrant domestic workers’ rights in Lebanon. At the Stammtisch, they enter into dialogue with FIZ.
TJASA ČRNIGOJ & ANJA SUTER
Rights, Bodies, Generations
Fr 22.8. / English
In «Girls», director Tjasa Črnigoj stages an intergenerational dialogue on sexual rights and reproductive freedom in both former Yugoslavia and present-day Croatia. At the Stammtisch, she joins swiss historian Anja Suter to discuss the state of sex education in Switzerland – and how liberal access to abortion really is when seen in a broader European context.
FASHION REVOLUTION & NTANDO CELE
Fast Fashion, Slow Justice
Sat 23.8. / German, English
Since 2013, Fashion Revolution has been campaigning for sustainability, fairness, and transparency in the fashion industry. Clothing is being produced ever more cheaply – at the expense of the environment and workers’ rights. At the Stammtisch, director Ntando Cele joins representatives from Fashion Revolution to discuss fast fashion and neo-capitalist consumption patterns – themes she explores in her piece «Wasted Land».
MARKUS THEUNERT
Männlichkeitsbilder im Umbruch
So 24.8. / Deutsch
Violence against women is on the rise – a reality that echoed in many of this year’s stage productions. At the same time, the so-called «manosphere» is expanding: a loosely connected, anti-feminist network fuelled by misogyny, toxic masculinity, and narratives of self-optimisation. Gender expert Markus Theunert has spent years critically examining dominant male ideals. At the Stammtisch, he reflects on how these ideals ultimately harm men themselves.
JAN MOCEK & LEANDRA BIAS
War and Masculinity Today
Mon 25.8. / English
Imagine there’s a war – and no one shows up. In «Wandervogel», Czech theatre director Jan Mocek explores themes of patrioticeducation, male alliances, and the idea of military readiness. What values and motivations would prompt younger generations today to fight for their «fatherland»? At the Stammtisch, political scientist Leandra Bias joins Mocek to discuss war and the role of gender constructs in current political discourse.
AHILAN RATNAMOHAN & SOFIKA YOGARASA
Language and Identity
Tue 26.8. / English
How does language shape our identity? In his theatre piece, Ahilan Ratnamohan reflects on his personal struggle with his parents’ Tamil – a language he never learned as a child growing up in the diaspora – and on his search for belonging. At the Stammtisch, he speaks with journalist Sofika Yogarasa about language, identity, and the experiences of diaspora communities in Switzerland.
JÉSSICA TEIXEIRA & NINA MÜHLEMANN
Non-Normative Bodies and Perspectives on Stage
Wed 27.8. / English
Disabled and non-normative artists remain significantly underrepresented on stage. In her performance, Brazilian director JéssicaTeixeira places her own disabled body at the centre of the work, inviting audiences to engage critically. At the Stammtisch, she speaks with Zurich-based artist and activist Nina Mühlemann about visibility and the structural barriers within the performing arts.
RANA YAZAJI & HANNAH PFURTSCHELLER
Kunst und internationale Friedensarbeit
Thu 28.8. / German
In light of drastic cuts to humanitarian aid and cultural budgets across Europe, the US, and Switzerland, a pressing question arises: What role can art play in peacebuilding? Rana Yazaji and Hannah Pfurtscheller, co-directors of the CAS «Arts and International Cooperation — Collaborating in Fragile Contexts and Processes of Peacebuilding» at ZHdK, join the Stammtisch to discuss the potential of cultural institutions such as the Zürcher Theater Spektakel.
DAMIR SKENDEROVIC
Populismus und Medienfreiheit
Fri 29.8. / German
Media and the arts help us interpret the present – including how we respond to populism. Independent journalism is increasingly under pressure, not only in authoritarian regimes but also in countries like Switzerland, for instance, through the SVP’s «Halving Initiative». At the Stammtisch, Prof. Dr. Damir Skenderovic discusses the current information crisis and its connections to right-wing politics and shifts in the media landscape.
IM DIALOG BLEIBEN
Jüdische und muslimische Stimmen für den Zusammenhalt
Sat 30.8. / German
Since 2023, antisemitism and anti-Muslim racism have also increased significantly in Switzerland. In 2024, a group of Jewish and Muslim individuals from Zurich – committed to ongoing and respectful dialogue – joined the Stammtisch. One year later, they return not only to share their experiences, but to open the conversation to others and build new bridges.
Dates and Tickets
shows from today- Fr 15.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Sa 16.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Su 17.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Mo 18.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Tu 19.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- We 20.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Th 21.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Fr 22.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Sa 23.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Su 24.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Mo 25.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Tu 26.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- We 27.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Th 28.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Fr 29.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
- Sa 30.08. 21:00 - 22:00 Admission free
Artistic direction and cast
| Host | Sandra Schudel, Can Külahcigil |
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