Funken (Sparks)

The Staatstheater Braunschweig will present the participative youth theatre piece “Funken” (Sparks) by Till Wiebel as the centrepiece of its sustainability aspirations. In Emel Aydoğdu’s directorial debut, the contemporary play specifically addresses the issues and concerns of younger audience members. It highlights the experiences of a 13-year-old protagonist at a holiday camp, focuses on friendship and solidarity as a counterweight to repressive systems, and offers a “spark of hope” in a world where young people can achieve their dreams.

In cooperation with the TU Braunschweig, the artistic team is testing the latest trends in material research for the stage, including the use of mycelium – i.e. the root-like fibres of fungi – as a building material. Mycelium not only plays a central role in the practical implementation of the project but is also reflected thematically in the play. In nature, mycelium forms a symbiotic network between trees and fungi. In the play, the protagonist Malte also assumes the role of a networker. In cooperation with experts on public participation in climate protection projects, the audience members will become researchers themselves during the performance. At the same time, the production will promote city-wide networking and engage in partnership with, e.g. the Regional Energy and Climate Protection Agency and the Protohaus.