Theater Thikwa
Theater Thikwa in Berlin is an inclusive theater that has been uniting people with and without disabilities in the arts since 1990/91. With innovative productions and an accessible venue, it promotes artistic inclusion and social integration. A place that embodies diversity and creativity.
Theater Thikwa Berlin: Inclusive Theater and Artistic Inclusion
editKey Products and Services
editTheater Thikwa in Berlin is an exemplary model of inclusive theater that has promoted the collaborative artistic work of people with and without disabilities since its founding in 1990/91. The theater produces and presents a variety of plays that address current issues and are unafraid of experimental and provocative approaches. Annually, between 10 and 12 different productions take place in about 70 to 90 performances[1].
Main Mission and Values
editThe main mission of Theater Thikwa is to promote and integrate the artistic work of people with disabilities in a professional setting. Initiated by Christine Vogt and key founding members such as Hanna Näter, Gerlinde Altenmüller, and Matthias Maedebach, the theater aims to recognize and strengthen the "artistic ability" of people with so-called intellectual disabilities. Inclusion, diversity, and the equality of all artistic fields are at the core of Thikwa's work[1].
Thikwa Workshop for Theater and Art
editA central component of Theater Thikwa is the Thikwa Workshop for Theater and Art, which was established in 1995 as a model project and recognized in 1998 as the first nationwide workshop for artistic professionalization in Germany. This workshop, operated in cooperation with the Nordberliner Werkgemeinschaft (NBW gGmbH), offers training and jobs in the fields of acting, dance, painting, sculpture, graphics, and crafts. The workshop's staff forms the ensemble of the theater and has won numerous awards in artistic competitions[1][2].
Barrier-Free Venue
editTheater Thikwa has a fully barrier-free venue in the Mühlenhaupthöfen, which has been in operation since 2008. This venue, managed in cooperation with the English Theatre Berlin, offers various barrier-free services such as surtitling, live descriptions for blind and visually impaired people, sign language interpretation, and programs in easy language[1][4].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editTheater Thikwa is committed not only to artistic inclusion but also to comprehensive social integration. Through the professionalization of artistic work and the creation of jobs for people with disabilities, Thikwa makes a significant contribution to rehabilitation and training. The long-term cooperation with NBW gGmbH and other partnerships underline the theater's sustainable approach[1][2].
Conclusion
editTheater Thikwa is more than just a theater – it is a center for inclusive art and cultural diversity. With its dedicated work and innovative productions, Thikwa demonstrates how lived inclusion works in practice and how art can bring together people of different abilities. As the "People's Stage of Inclusive Theater," Thikwa guarantees surprising and disturbingly good art that leaves the audience richer than when they entered[1].