Gabi Reinhardt is a theatre maker and has been active in the independent theatre scene in Chemnitz for 14 years. in 2013, she realised the "Balcony Ballet", in which the balconies of a high-rise building became a stage. In the Capital of Culture year, she is working on the project "Der Bus ist abgefahren", a staged theatre city tour on the subject of work - by and with women from Chemnitz. We are now looking for women who want to bring their experiences to the stage.
Theatre, bus travel, work, women. How does that fit together?
Gabe Reinhardt: In the project, women* talk about their unseen work: about all the trappings that make paid work possible in the first place. They ask about the prerequisites for this and whether only paid work is actually "real" work.
These stories will be performed in small theatre pieces at various locations in Chemnitz. The women* are guided by professional artists during the production. To get the audience there, they take a bus to these places and stories.
Why is it important to tell these stories in particular?
The perspective of women* is still barely visible. Yet we carry valuable knowledge within us - knowledge that can help shape a better working and living environment.
But to do so, we have to look and listen. Women with a migration background or a disability in particular have so much experience that we know little about. What does it actually mean that I first have to have my qualifications recognised? What does it mean to work below minimum wage every day, even though you give it your all? How difficult is the decision to leave your family behind in order to go to work? These stories can teach us a lot about how we live together. It will be an exciting journey.
Who are the women involved in the theatre project?
We are still at the beginning. We are now looking for women who would like to take part. Over the next few months, we will be researching, exchanging ideas, writing, rehearsing, singing and dancing together. Anyone who lives in Chemnitz or the surrounding area can take part. It doesn't matter whether they are "Hiessche" or "Uhiessche" - i.e. born here or moved here [Erzgebirgisch for "from here" or "not from here", editor's note]. You don't have to do paid work or have any prior knowledge of theatre. On the contrary: we want to talk to "normal" women, because that's what it's all about. A first meeting and introduction will take place on 27 March at the Chemnitz Weltecho, where you can also just drop by.
When can visitors come along?
The performances will take place from 3 to 9 September in Chemnitz. The tour starts at the bus station. Our tour guide will welcome the guests and then we will travel through Chemnitz in an old Ikarus bus - off to completely new perspectives! Tickets are expected to be on sale from May.
If you want to take part, you can come to the kick-off meeting at Weltecho (Annaberger Straße 24) on 27 March 2025: Once at 4pm and once at 6pm. All women who are at least 16 years old can take part. Registration and questions to: derbusistabgefahren(at)posteo.de
