Where do we go when we can no longer continue as before? In an era marked by climate crisis and demographic change, technological upheaval, housing shortages and social polarisation, we need new ways of dealing with change. As part of the project ‘No Future? Playing with the Future’, we are collaborating with anundpfirsich and trying our hand at improvisational theatre.
Two events at the Zollhaus Theatre
How will we live in the future? How will technological change affect our working lives? How will we deal with demographic change, rising temperatures and a growing population? In a time of social upheaval, it is crucial that as many people as possible are able to actively participate in shaping the future and develop shared ideas. Those who feel powerless in the face of complex changes tend to withdraw, while those who realise that the future can be shaped develop confidence and the ability to take action.
This autumn, we are trying out a new format with the improv theatre group anundpfirsich. Together, we are organising two evenings at the Theater Zollhaus, where improv players from their ensemble will act out futures. The audience will influence what happens on stage through small interactions, thus helping to shape ‘the future’.
The two events have the same concept, but will be very different due to the improvisation. If you like the first one, you can also attend the second one.
Applied improvisation is the practical use of principles and techniques from improvisational theatre in various areas of life. It serves not only to entertain, but also to develop skills and represents a promising method for creativity, spontaneity and changing perspectives. In this way, ideas about the future can be presented not only in a cognitively thought-out way, but also in a way that can be experienced directly and sensually. This makes complex and abstract ideas tangible and emotionally accessible to the audience. In addition, improvisation helps to promote mental flexibility in a creative way, thus breaking away from fixed ideas and patterns of thinking.
anundpfirsich
The Zurich-based ensemble anundpfirsich has been improvising on stages across Switzerland and Europe since 2005. The ensemble performs improv shows several times a week at the Theater im Zollhaus, which was founded specifically for this purpose. It develops innovative forms of improv theatre and offers courses, personal development, seminars and training in a professional environment. anundpfirsich is the European champion in improv theatre (2024) and the reigning Swiss champion in theatre sports (2022).
The format is supported by Migros Culture Percentage.
