Intermezzo – artists in conversation
“For me, theater is all the arts” – the German theater maker Jan-Christoph Gockel as a guest of Wolfgang Popp.
January 18, 2026, 11:54 am
Jan-Christoph Gockel frequently develops his theatrical productions on location, immersing himself in the surroundings that inspires them. In 2014, he worked amidst the popular uprising in Burkina Faso, Africa, and more recently, in Lviv, Ukraine. His play “ukrainomania – Revue of a Life,” which premiered January 15th at the Vienna Volkstheater, powerfully combines the life of Joseph Roth with the realities of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Gockel’s work frequently enough explores the intersection of history and current events, and his approach to theater is deeply rooted in collaborative creation.
Did you know? Jan-Christoph gockel’s commitment to site-specific theater means his productions are often deeply influenced by the political and social contexts of the locations where they are created.
Gockel’s “Ukrainomania” isn’t simply a biographical retelling of Joseph Roth’s life; it’s a poignant commentary on the cyclical nature of conflict and displacement. Roth, a Jewish-Austrian journalist and novelist, experienced exile and witnessed firsthand the turmoil of the 20th century. Gockel draws parallels between Roth’s experiences and the current war in Ukraine, using the playwright’s life as a lens through which to examine the enduring human cost of war.The production features a blend of theatrical techniques, including spoken word, music, and visual projections, to create a multi-layered and immersive experience for the audience.
The play’s growth involved extensive research and collaboration with individuals directly affected by the war in Ukraine. Gockel spent time in Lviv, interviewing refugees and local artists, incorporating their stories and perspectives into the production.This collaborative approach is central to Gockel’s artistic philosophy,which emphasizes the importance of giving voice to marginalized communities and fostering dialogue across cultural boundaries. The premiere at the Vienna Volkstheater was met with critical acclaim, praised for its emotional depth, artistic innovation, and timely relevance.
