BERLIN, July 7, 2025
Grips Theater Aims to Resonate With Young Audiences
New season to address mental health and societal pressures.
- The Berlin Grips Theater is prioritizing issues affecting young people.
- The new season will feature three premieres.
- The theater aims to provide hope amid feelings of uncertainty.
The Berlin Grips Theater’s new season hones in on **how can theater address youth anxiety?** By tackling the anxieties facing young people today, the theater hopes to offer solace and spark dialogue.
New Leadership, Fresh Perspectives
The Berlin Grips Theater is ushering in a new era, seeking to connect with young people amidst profound social shifts. According to Natalie Driemeyer, a member of the theater’s new four-person management team, these societal changes have triggered “massive existential uncertainties” that impact the mental well-being of both children and adults.
The theater intends to confront these issues head-on in its upcoming program.
Premieres Reflect Modern Struggles
The new season boasts three premieres, including the German-language debut of “Kuckucksnest,” a play centered on a mother grappling with mental health challenges. Additionally, audiences can anticipate a fresh production of “Laura War here,” which explores life within an apartment building, and “Mats & Milad or: News from the ass of the world.”
Acknowledging a Generation’s Concerns
“We know that the young people sometimes perceive the world as a no longer changeable,” Driemeyer stated, highlighting the pervasive sense of helplessness among today’s youth. She noted that depression and burnout have surged since the Corona pandemic, leaving this generation with diminished security as they face climate change, a challenging housing market, and relentless pressure to succeed.
The Team Behind the Vision
Taking the reins in September is the new management team, comprised of theater maker Winfried Tobias, dramaturge Natalie Driemeyer, musician Thomas Keller, and cultural host Jutta Brinkschulte.
