The Next Day #13: Berlin Weekend Guide
From 24 to 27, August, 2023
Hello!
The "Tanz im August" festival comes to an end on Sunday. Opportunities remain to watch "Age of Content" or "MAL – Embriaguez Divina." In the realm of dance, the performance "Attitude" by Tomi Passonen at Dock 11 awaits.
In the visual arts, two exhibitions open. Bastian Gehbauer inaugurates "Memories of a Place I Have Never Been… Part II," and KINDL opens the exhibition "ETEL ADNAN & SIMONE FATTAL - Voices Without Borders."
On August 26th, the "Long Night of the Museums" returns to Berlin! This year's theme is "Sounds of Berlin," featured in 75 museums across town. Among the 750 events that night, find an engaging activity with one ticket.
The "Videoart at Midnight" project reaches its 133rd edition with the Summer Special: "Rufen Und Raushaun – Music Videos for Yaneq" by Friends of Jan Kage + Concert at the Babylon.
If the weather permits, escape to a lake and enjoy the last week of the summer in the northern hemisphere.
Lalai & Mateus
🩰 Performing Arts
AGE OF CONTENT by Ballet National de Marseille / (LA)HORDE #TanzImAugust
The virtual is by no means a direct representation of reality. It has long created affective worlds with their own power, influencing social interactions and desires in the physical world. Within an imposing set design, such interactions between the intimate and the public are played out by (LA)HORDE. Thursday 24.08 7 p.m. Haus der Berliner Festspiele, Schaperstraße 24, 10719 Berlin. Tickets: 18-42 €.
MAL – Embriaguez Divina by Marlene Monteiro Freitas #TanzImAugust
Marlene Monteiro Freitas’ “MAL” revolves around evil and its ambivalence. Particularly in the theatre, this abstract giant appears time and again as a driving force. Freitas conjures – and bans – this force with an overabundance of action. Worry and fear are juxtaposed with a kind of Dionysian ecstasy. Friday 25.08 8 p.m. and Saturday 26.08 7 pm. Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz 10178 Berlin. Tickets: 18 to 42€
Attitude by Tomi Paasonen
"Attitude" explores blending classical ballet's precision with contemporary creativity, using technical skill for fresh insights. Merging personal stories, pop culture, and queer influences, it reimagines pointe dance, using the shoe as a catalyst for innovative choreography and expanded classical perspectives. From Thursday 24.08 to Sunday 27.08, 7 p.m. DOCK 11, Kastanienallee 79, 10435 Berlin. Tickets: 15 /10€
Florentina Holzinger & Team 'Schrott-Etüde (Scrap Etude): An Etude for Extinction'
”Schrott-Etüde: An Etude for Extinction” combines music, stunt acts, and fire in unique events. Using Katharina Ernst and Stefan Schneider's composition, performers redefine dance and theater. Organized by Florentina Holzinger's team since 2020, these experimental Etudes transform public spaces into stages for rhythmic collaborations between bodies and machinery. Wednesday, 30.08, 8 - 10 pm. Parking P05 Coubertinplatz, Olympiastadion, Coubertinplatz, 14053, Berlin. Ticket: 16,95 €
🖼️ Exhibitions
Long Night of Museum
At the Long Night of Museums, many Berlin museums and exhibition venues open the doors and allow visitors to view exhibitions, collections, and installations from 6 pm to 2 pm. Workshops, express tours, and artist talks complete the program. 26 August 2023 - From 6 pm to 2 pm. Ticket: 18 euros.
Bastian Gehbauer - Memories of a Place I Have Never Been…Part II
Explore Bastian Gehbauer's art: transcending architecture and objects, he delves into emotional essence rather than explicit depiction. Witness his evolution from depicting space conversions to human connections, then rudimentary construction, and now burgeoning abstraction. Opening: Friday, 25.08, 6–9 pm. Until 07.10. HOTO Bergmannstraße 109, 10961 Berlin. Free admission.
ETEL ADNAN & SIMONE FATTAL - Voices without borders
"Voices without Borders": Discover intimate dialogue of Arab world voices Etel Adnan (Beirut) and Simone Fattal (Damascus) at an exhibition celebrating their multidisciplinary oeuvre. Explore their individual and collaborative artistic and literary journeys. Experience their profound partnership in Paris. Opening: Saturday 26.08, 6 pm to 9 pm. Until 01.01.24. Wed 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thu – Sun 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. KINDL – Zentrum für zeitgenössische Kunst, Maschinenhaus M1 / M1 VideoSpace, Am Sudhaus 3, 12053 Berlin, Neukölln. Tickets: 5€/3€
🎶 Music
Chromeo
Get ready to groove through the night at the Chromeo concert! Experience their contagious beats and funk melodies that'll keep us moving. Thursday, 24.08, 8 pm. Lido, Cuvrystraße 7, 10997 Berlin. Ticket: 37/38 €.
Erlend Øye & La Comitiva
Enjoy a lovely evening with beautiful music. Friday, 25.08, 7 pm. Freilichtbühne Weißensee, Große Seestraße 10, 13086 Berlin.
unguarded - Vapors Unfold
Dive into Berlin's sonic experimentation at Unguarded label's night! Encounter avant-garde music by Lila Tirando A Violeta and Uxile. DJs bela, Simone Antonioni, Eleftheria, and DJ Unguarded amplify the sonic journey. Get ready for a night of experimental tunes! Thursday, 24.08, 10 pm - 6 am. Ohm, Köpenicker Str. 70, 10179 Berlin. Ticket: 10/15€.
FemmeDecks
Chicago's FemmeDecks collective hosts a party this Saturday. They spotlight femme, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and genderqueer artists, reflecting the industry's diverse power. Friday, 25.08, 11:59 pm - 8 am. Secret location. Ticket: 12€.
Plantasia Sessions
Expect great vibes and music. Enjoy tropical vibes, cozy atmosphere, creativity, wines, and cocktails. Don't miss it if you like an intimate riverside gathering by the Spree. Sunday, 27.08, 3 - 10 pm. Fluxbau, Pfuelstraße 5, 10997 Berlin. Ticket: 5 €.
📽️ Cinema
muv short film session: Ash Wednesday
Demétria, a single mother, seeks her daughter Cora during Rio’s carnival parade. In a favela, a brutal police raid unfolds due to alleged drug dealing. Police clash with residents, revealing deep-seated racism and social strife. Directors Bárbara Santos & João Pedro Prado craft an impactful musical short film using Brazilian rhythms. Filmed at Babelsberg Konrad Wolf, the film portrays authentic favela life and top-tier performances. Thursday, 24.08, 7 pm. Biergarten Jockel, Ratiborstr. 14c, 10999 - Berlin. Free admission.
Summer Special: Rufen und Raushaun – Music Videos for Yaneq by Friends of Jan Kage + Concert
Experience the YANEQ album's visual journey, a fusion of music and videos from Schau Fenster, KanyaKage, and Party Arty collaborators. Feel the city's creative pulse, and celebrate a year of low-budget, high-enthusiasm art at Videoart at Midnight's Gala. Friday 25.08. 11.59 p.m. Babylon, Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 30, 10178 Berlin. Free admission, book in advance on Babylon's website.
📚 Books & Lecture
Kofi Agawu: Why is African Art Music Invisible?
A lecture exploring the intersection of music and post-colonialism, discussing African music traditions and connotations in relation to European concert music. Part of the Edward W. Said Days series. Sunday, 27.08, 5 pm. Pierre Boulez Saal, Französische Straße 33 D, 10117 - Berlin. Free admission.
African Book Festival
The African Book Festival features African writers, artists, and musicians with readings, panel discussions, book launches, and concerts. There's also a bookshop, food trucks, and market stalls for an immersive experience. Friday, 25.08, 6 pm - Sat-Sun, 26-27.08, from 10:30 am. Alte Münze, Molkenmarkt 2, 10179 Berlin-Mitte. Tickets: 5/38 €.
⛩️ Others
Japanmarkt - Sommerfest
If you're a fan of Japanese culture, this festival is for you. The event features live music, kids' workshops, arts and crafts vendors, massages, performances, and amazing food. Sunday, 27.08, 12 - 7 pm. Festsaal Kreuzberg, Am Flutgraben 2, 12435 Berlin. Tickets: 5/13 €.
🚗 Beyond Berlin
Urban Escape Festival presented by XJAZZ
This festival is perfect for those who want connect with nature. The "Urban Scape Festival" offers a unique blend of mindfulness, tranquility, and inspiring acoustic music, all without electric amplification, in a stunning location just 1.5 hours from Berlin by car. Schloss Wartin, Schloßhof 10, 16306 Casekow, Germany. Tickets from 32 euros.
Mateus invites Diego Fortes
Diego Fortes has been living in Berlin since 2021 and is a theatre director, playwright, and actor. With a highly successful career in Brazil, he has collaborated with Alexandre Nero, Matheus Nachtergaele, Renato Borghi, among others. It is wonderful to attend the theatre with him and engage in discussions about the aesthetics, form, and content of the plays we have just watched together. Diego is graciously sharing his favorite spots in Berlin with us.
One of the best things in Berlin is the street movie theaters. It's refreshing to watch a good film, and when it ends, you don't walk out into a shopping mall. Besides, they usually sell beer on tap! One of my favorites is the charming Intimes Kino.
If you're a David Lynch fan, make sure to include The Black Lodge on your itinerary. The bar recreates the ethereal place from the acclaimed TV series "Twin Peaks.” You'll find a rich assortment of beers and cocktails there, and the prices are very reasonable. The only thing is, like so many bars here, people can smoke inside. But perhaps that's a plus for you!
Nola Berlin: There are a lot of good vegan places in the city. This isn't one of them. Nola - homemade fried chicken is a guilty pleasure. Their specialties include hot wings and chicken sandwiches. You can also order a milkshake, but if your chicken is spicy, you'll want a cold helles.
Just near Nola, you can find a concept store called Hotel ULTRA. To clarify their offerings, they used to have a sign in front of the door saying, "We are not a hotel!" The store is filled with intriguing decorative items. The prices aren't modest, but a visit is worthwhile. They also carry smaller items like card decks, book holders, and frames that would make thoughtful gifts.
☀️ Regular Summer Events
Berlin Beats at Hamburger Bahnhof: Every Thursday until 31 August, 7 - 10 pm. Free Admission. This Thursday: Oda Haliti is defining the Balkan electronic music scene. She masterfully combines disco, techno, and acid with experimental industrial electronica.
Kultur Sommer Festival: One different event every day in another venue. Free entrance. You can check out the agenda here.
Tropez at Humboldthain Public Swimming Pool: a three-month art program during the outdoor pool season, including a group exhibition, a performance series, and workshops for children. Daily from 10 am-6 pm. Ticket: 5,50 €.
Sunshine Bar Berlin at Plötzensee: Swimming, lake, food, drinks, and music. Ticket: 5 €.
📌 Save the date
Christine and the Queens' “Paranoia, Angels, True Love” tour is a must-see. I was left breathless after seeing it two weeks ago.
48H ICC Berlin - The ICC Berlin opens to all on the Day of the Open Monument. The ICC Berlin opens for 48 hours, almost ten years after its closure. 09 and 10, Sep 2023. Free admission with ticket reservation.
Nils Frahm: Music for Berlin at Funkhaus, 12 and 13, October, 2023. Ticket: 50 €.