THE STORY

What does it mean to grow up as a girl*? And above all: for whom? Only moments ago it was still possible to play freely in the schoolyard like everyone else. And suddenly the body begins to change. Suddenly there is responsibility, suddenly there is an expectation to fit into the image of what a woman should be. Be strong, but not too strong; be mature, but not too mature. And as if that weren’t enough: this body suddenly seems to belong to everyone else — to their gazes, their comments, their burdens and intrusions. Stop!!! Three performers and a vocal ensemble come together to give voice to these shared yet deeply individual experiences. Mädchenschrift isdescription, (self-)exploration, and manifesto all at once. It resists the labels and demands, the judgments and violations that keep women* small and cut off their breath. For this powerful text, Özlem Özgül Dündar was awarded the prestigious “Kaas & Kappes” Children’s and Youth Drama Prize in 2023.

The asterisk* indicates that all those who identify as girls/women are included.

On the website of the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe you can find further information about the piece, upcoming performance dates, and an interview with us about our first co-directed production as a collective.

Trailer Mädchenschrift