Queer Stages
Trans, Intersex, and Nonbinary People in the Performing Arts
LECTURES AND WORKSHOP
Trans? Intersex? Non-binary? TIN artists, directors, dramaturgs, TIN characters, queer stories, and perspectives have been present and influential in a variety of ways for several years now, even in the bastions of bourgeois high culture—on and behind the stages of state and regional theaters.
The situation is similar at performing arts training institutions. We want to continue promoting the development of knowledge regarding trans, intersex, and non-binary identities, as well as the construction and deconstruction of gender images and stereotypes. Currently, however, Berlin is witnessing a drastic cut in funding for all queer and inclusive (artistic) spaces and initiatives. At the same time, universities are also facing severe budget cuts, which are having a negative impact on efforts to promote inclusion, diversity, and anti-discrimination.
This series of lectures and workshops, followed by a practical project, provides an overview of queer theory, gender representation, consent in theater and dance, trans identities in directing and staging, and much more. The series concludes with a presentation of the sketches developed during the program.
Our goal?
To sustain the positive progress made in recent years and visibly oppose any attempts to roll back these achievements; to ensure that all members of the university community can thrive in an environment free from discrimination and fear; and to raise awareness of trans, intersex, non-binary, and queer perspectives, issues, and working methods in theater.
Who can participate?
All students, faculty, staff, and guests from Berlin and other German states.
across universities, nationwide, and hybrid
JOIN US! REGISTRAION:
Registration for the events is open to everyone. Please register at l.bosse@hfs-berlin.de. Due to limited space, we ask that you make a binding registration (and notify us if you are unable to attend). If you would like to participate online, please indicate this when registering. Online access details will be sent via email one day before the event. You can register for individual sessions or for all sessions at once.
Students can request a certificate of attendance for the lecture series and workshops. The certificates detail the content and scope of each event. Credit may be granted in consultation with the respective degree programs or instructors. Please contact s.foidl@hfs-berlin.de.
Dates
May 27, starting at 6 p.m., HfS 1.51 and online
with PROF. DR. JENNY SCHRÖDL on the development of modes of representation, aesthetics (camp, drag, etc.), and questions of performativity and theatricality in relation to gender identity in the contemporary world
in German
June 9, 6:00–7:30 p.m., 2.34 and online
with KUKU SCHRAPNELL / Moderator: JENABA SAMURA on “Gender Punks,” constructions of gender and queer narratives, and the reimagining and interpretation of historical trans and intersex figures and personalities
in German
June 25, starting at 6 p.m., HfS 1.30 and online
with TUCKÉ ROYALE on his film “Neubau” (2020), featuring a screening and discussion on direction, dramaturgy, and performance
in German
July 15, starting at 6 p.m., 1.51. and online
with NELE SOLF on narratives about and by trans, intersex, and non-binary people (ethics of representation), clichés vs. authenticity (concepts and utopias), deconstruction of binary norms
in German
September 2, starting at 6 p.m., t.b.a. and online
with BRIG HUEZO on Queer Futures and phygital choreography exploring the intersections of body, gender, avatar, and the digital stage. This lecture offers insights into Huezo’s artistic research and practice and explores new forms of presence, perception, embodiment, and future stages
in German
The events are open to everyone; please register at l.bosse@hfs-berlin.de. Online access details will be sent via email one day before the event.
September / October 2026 (exact dates to be announced!): Workshop phase!
Contact
Susanne Foidl (none/she)
Women's and Equal Opportunity Officer
Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch Berlin
s.foidl@hfs-berlin.de
Lorena Boße (she/they)
equalACT Coordination & Communication
Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch Berlin
l.bosse@hfs-berlin.de