
As part of the phōnē project – Giving Minority Languages a Voice – an International Theatre Day was held in Bautzen at the DSVTh on September 8, 2024. The event took place immediately following the local theatre’s “Open House Day” at the Großes Haus and in the surrounding theatre garden, welcoming audiences into a rich, multilingual theatre experience.
“Lémbrame! – Remember Me! – Spominaj na mnje!”
A highlight of the day was the premiere of the joint production Lémbrame! – a collaboration between the Deutsch-Sorbisches Volkstheater Bautzen and the Galician Centro Dramático Galego (Santiago de Compostela). Directed by Tim Heilmann and Rafael Rey, and performed by Andreas Larraß, Borja Insua, and Alba Grande, the piece explored themes of memory, loss, and intergenerational change.
In this poetic puppet production for audiences aged 10 and above, time becomes a force of transformation. The old miller – clinging to a vanishing craft passed down through generations – is confronted by death and the fear of being forgotten. Drawing from Galician and Sorbian cultural motifs, Lémbrame! offers a moving reflection on legacy and identity through a contemporary myth.
“An Fear Liath – The Grey Man”
The second part of the evening featured the Irish company Fíbín with An Fear Liath (The Grey Man), another co-production developed together with Centro Dramático Galego. Directed by Fran Núñez, the piece brought together three Galician puppeteers and a large Irish ensemble. For the performance in Bautzen, the cast included one Galician puppeteer and two Irish actors, offering audiences a glimpse into this haunting and visually striking story.
In addition to rehearsals and performances, the international ensemble had the opportunity to visit the legendary Krabat Mill near Dresden – a key site of inspiration that connects myth, landscape, and storytelling traditions across cultures.