The Winterwerft focuses on the major crises of our time: ecological collapse, social inequality and increasing alienation. What is more: What are the formative cultural narratives that have led us to this point? How did the ideas of unlimited growth, linear progress, independence and separation from the natural world come about – and what can take their place? The Winterwerft seeks out and presents theatre that confronts these issues and dares to change its perspective in form and content.

Anyone following world events these days – and then taking a step back – cannot help but get the impression that something has been set in motion. Developments that have been progressing for decades, for centuries, seem to have entered a phase of acceleration.

A tide is coming in. For some of us, the water is still around our ankles, while for others it is already up to our necks.

We see in the news the polarisation of our societies, rampant authoritarianism and the normalisation of war and violence on a large scale. We see species dying out, barren soils and polluted oceans. And at the same time, we see ourselves, hypnotised by the screens that are consuming more and more of our lives.

All these developments are reaching a momentum, a magnitude that makes it difficult to even see them. And yet, in a way, they are just the crest of a wave that started rolling a long time ago. We still think we are surfing on the surface of this wave: in our unshakeable belief in the power of technology, tranquilized by digital dopamine, we stare fixedly towards the horizon. But it’s time to lower our gaze: to look into the depths.

Where there is a high tide, there will also be an ebb. Only when – and how – it comes is up to us. What will become visible once the water recedes? Which old and new ways of life can serve as a rescuing anchor? Which sprouting gardens do we want to fend off with dykes, which treasures do we want to moor on rafts? And what do we want to let go of, to be cleansed by the waves?

Tides come and go. We are looking for the turning points, for the islands and boats, for the lugworms and sandpipers. For those who take a deep breath and dive in to get to the bottom of things. For those who stand in the surf until the wave breaks.