New festival under the motto “Art connects” brings people together
Overcoming boundaries with art: Under this guiding principle, the SocialArts eV to the first KunstStücke – Theatertage (Art Pieces – Theater Days) from October 30 to November 2, 2025. The intergenerational festival is a cultural experiment that connects people through theater, music, and performance—regardless of age, origin, or social background.
Three productions in four days
The program includes three very different theater productions that demonstrate how diverse artistic expression can be:
- Social Actors Kids (8–12 years): "The Shoes That Danced to Pieces."
A colorful fairy tale adaptation based on the Brothers Grimm featuring drama, dance, and performances. The premiere is on Saturday, November 1, at 2 p.m. , with another performance on Sunday, November 2, at 3 p.m. - Social Actors Ensemble (ages 8–88): "Welcome to the Afterlife."
An artist searches for the perfect idea for a play about the afterlife—between bureaucracy, the starry sky, and slapstick, a humorous and thoughtful homage to the imagination emerges. Premiere on Thursday, October 30, at 8 p.m. , with further performances on October 31 and November 1 . - Theater Ensemble Ü60 "Blattgold": "Darmstadt City Stories."
A collage of historical documents, personal texts, and literary finds that paints a vivid picture of Darmstadt between past and present. Premiere on Friday, October 31, 4 p.m. , with further performances on November 1 and 2 .
Making culture accessible to everyone
The organizers place particular emphasis on a low-threshold admission policy : prices should not represent a barrier, enabling cultural participation to as many people as possible. The ensembles have been rehearsing regularly with theater educators since July to develop the pieces together.
Support from foundations and companies
The KunstStücke Theatertage are made possible by a broad network of sponsors and partners. The main sponsor is the Hans Erich and Marie Elfriede Dotter Foundation . Additional support is provided by Merck KGaA , the ENTEGA Foundation , HEAG Kulturfreunde , the Darmstadt Citizens' Foundation , the Sparkasse Darmstadt , the Volksbank Darmstadt Mainz , and private donors.
Cooperation partners include Circus Waldoni , the Darmstadt State Theatre , TONWERK , Zwischen Zeit and the AG Kinder & Jugend Eberstadt .
Background: Why “Art Connects”
SocialArts eV was founded following the association's participation in the "Stadtkantine" festival at the Darmstadt State Theater in 2023. The association's goal is to bring people together through artistic projects, reveal creative potential, and facilitate new community experiences. For founder Oliver Noweck and his team, art is a driver of democracy, peace, and social cohesion.
With the first KunstStücke – Theatertage, the initiators aim to establish a sustainable festival format that extends beyond the performances. Because, as the team puts it: "Art has the power to connect people and open up new perspectives."
Further information is available on the SocialArts eV website.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM)
Featured image: The Kunststücke team, from left: Oliver Noweck, Melanie Gaug, Astrid Sturm.