Writing workshop about „Fräulein Else“

How can violence be described through language?
What clichés exist in narratives about violence?
How can a text make violence visible without reenacting it?
Which perspectives are represented?
Which are not?
How can we find new ways to speak artistically about violence?

We will explore these questions in the workshop on the play “Fräulein Else.” Director Leonie Böhm and actress Julia Riedler have reinterpreted Arthur Schnitzler’s text.

The play deals with sexualized violence.
A man demands that Else undress in front of him.
We will examine: how this is described in Arthur Schnitzler’s text.
And how it is portrayed in the play.
To do this, we will read excerpts from the play.
And attend the performance together.
We’ll also write our own texts on the topic.
And learn to give and receive feedback.
We want to find out: “How can violence be described in art?”

How we’ll work in the workshop:
We want to create a safe space.
It can be difficult to talk about (sexual) violence.
There may be strong emotions involved.
That’s okay.
The workshop facilitators are prepared for this.
At the same time, the workshop is not about sharing personal experiences of violence.
It’s about the portrayal of violence in art.
About your artistic expression.
That’s what makes us strong!

Participation:
Participation is free of charge.
To register or ask questions, please contact: mitmachen@kammerspiele.de

Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is open to people of all ages who are interested in writing. No prior experience is required. Everyone is welcome, and we especially encourage participation from people who identify with any of the following groups:

People whose first language is not German, BIPoC, LGBTIQ*, people with visible or invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, or neurodiversity.

Please let us know what you need to be able to participate in the workshop. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, taking into account lead time and financial resources.

In what language will the workshop be held?
The workshop will be held in German.
You can write texts in your own language.
If it helps, the workshop leaders can also explain things in English.
The play we will be watching is in German.

Schedule:
Friday, June 19
4:00 PM Meet at the stage entrance, Falckenbergstrasse 2
4:00–6:00 PM Workshop
6:30 p.m. Dinner together in the Kammerspiele cafeteria
7:30 p.m. Group attendance at the performance of “Fräulein Else”

Saturday, June 20
11 a.m. Meeting point: Seidlvilla Cultural Center, Nikolaiplatz 1b
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Workshop
1–2:30 p.m. Lunch break