Intergenerational Approaches

Working Methods, Aesthetics, and Artistic Inspiration in Encounters Across Different Generations

Children are growing up in a society that is increasingly segregated by age: their environment—whether daycare, school, or leisure activities—is often separated from the spheres in which adults, and older people in particular, move—the workplace, “adults-only” or senior programs, care facilities, and so on. Theater can create spaces where different generations come into contact with one another and share common experiences. Artistic processes are enriched by the age-appropriate and individual characteristics of the young, very young, older, and elderly participants. Intergenerational projects bring many new insights to light: new questions—for example, regarding autonomy and care; new ways of working—for example, regarding the different worlds of experience; new aesthetic impulses—for example, resulting from very different physicalities and rhythms.

In recent years, Theater o.N. and FELD Theater have increasingly engaged with intergenerational approaches and gained experience in artistic processes. This event provides a space for a collegial exchange about these experiences and invites interested parties to discuss open questions and hypotheses together.

Four themed discussion groups are initially planned for this event. Additional groups may form spontaneously.

#1 Eva Günther and Lea Martini: Presentation of their research project “a circle. almost round” with preschool children and seniors from Dance On Lab (2026–27 residency of Offensive Tanz in cooperation with FELD Theater)

#2 Gabi dan Droste / FELD Theater: Spaces for encounters between people of different ages: What art and working in artistic and research contexts bring to light.

#3 Julie Peters & Andreas Pichler (Ensemble Theater o.N.): A research lab for babies and their caregivers: Observing, Creating, and Being (Part of the FRATZ International 2026 program)

#4 Vera Strobel (Artistic Director, Theater o.N. / FRATZ Festival): Senior care facilities as theater spaces

An event organized by “Offensive Tanz für Junges Publikum” as part of FRATZ International 2026. In cooperation with FELD Theater.
Tickets available directly through FRATZ International.

DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE INVITED CONTRIBUTIONS

#1 Eva Günther and Lea Martini are dancers from different generations. They will present their current residency project, “a circle. almost round.”

“Based on the idea that the beginning and end of life do not form a linear path but rather meet in a circle, we explore the connection between young and old people. In what ways are they similar emotionally, mentally, and physically? In what ways do they differ? […] Our perspective on the topic stems from the desire to make intergenerational encounters more natural again. Following a trend toward age-based niches, we are interested in how exchange and closeness can be rekindled.

Eva brings many years of experience in dance and choreography with older adults, including through her work with Dance On Lab. Lea has been engaged in a two-year artistic collaboration with the Olbersstraße daycare center in Berlin-Charlottenburg.”

“a circle. almost round.” is funded within a residency program by Offensive Tanz für Junges Publikum in cooperation with FELD Theater. The exchange at FRATZ marks the start of the residency, which will continue in the winter of 26/27. The results of the work will be presented at FELD Theater in January 2027 (dates tba).

#2 Gabi dan Droste / FELD Theater: Spaces for encounters between people of different ages: What art and working in artistic and research contexts bring to light.

Gabi dan Droste is founder and director of FELD Theater in Berlin and has led a series of intergenerational projects there. She will bring biographical notes and theses to the conversation, as well as share her experiences in artistic work with people of different ages.

#3 Julie Peters & Andreas Pichler (Ensemble Theater o.N.): A research lab for babies and their companions: Observing, Doing, and Being (Part of the FRATZ International 2026 program)

During the FRATZ Festival, dancer Julie Peters and musician Andreas Pichler will create an attuned space where babies between 0 and 18 months and their companions are invited to participate. The research lab offers time and space to explore the subtle forms of communication between babies and adults, and to discover new possibilities for expression and encounter. With minimal verbal guidance and a great deal of openness to whatever emerges in the moment, playful encounters unfold. Light and shadow, voice and sounds, as well as physical and tactile impulses, invite exploration, wonder, and interaction.

Developing artistic spaces for babies poses unique challenges. Perception, time, closeness, materiality, and movement must be conceived from the perspective of an audience that experiences theater not through language or plot, but primarily through the body and the senses. Many artists only find their way into this approach through practical research.

At the event, Julie and Andreas will offer insights into their preparations and artistic questions, and will share fresh insights from their first lab session that morning.

A limited number of interested industry professionals can participate in the lab sessions as part of their accreditation: LINK to accreditation 

#4 Vera Strobel (Artistic Director, Theater o.N. / FRATZ Festival): Senior care facilities as theater spaces

As part of recent FRATZ editions, a series of collaborations with senior centers emerged, which became venues for selected festival productions. These performances, featuring a mixed audience of very young and elderly people offered very valuable experiences. Vera will share some reflections on these collaborations from a curatorial and organizational perspective, addressing both the enriching aspects and the challenges. 

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Photo Credit: WieBa Photography, Tout Petit: Shall we together (FRATZ 2024)