Conference of animals

“This is the first and last attempt by animals from all continents to save the earth. We call for immediate action! “With these unmistakable words, polar bear Paula opens the conference of animals.

The situation around the planet is dramatic. The animals are threatened by water scarcity and wars, while people gather again and again to negotiate the fate of the world at inconclusive conferences. They seem to have leased common sense to themselves and refuse to even listen to the animals and their demands. With every encounter, the conflict between humans and animals worsens; with every encounter, sound and language change. What are we doing with our planet? Who is this “WE” and to whom does the earth belong?

With this production, director Andrea Pinkowski approaches the famous Kästner story very musically. In the interplay of story, movement and sound, the contrasting worlds are presented, brilliantly staged by musical director Sinem Altan and choreographer Dennis Schmitz. The animal creature translates into double bass, percussion, guitars, flutes and saxophone. The story always remains in the foreground: What do animals have to do so that humans understand them? What sound and action hit their hearts? What does Earth's voice sound like?

Even with Kästner, children become mediators between intuitive wildlife and the rational adult world. The story of the Conference of Animals invites us to find ideas for peaceful coexistence and a universal language together. With this production, the famous parable becomes a musical-animal appeal against the laziness of the heart.