What is there to see here? Nothing special. Just a bear sitting in its cage in the middle of the stage, watching the audience while the audience watches it. It’s hard to say who determines what happens on stage and in the auditorium – the audience or the bear? And why the bear in the first place?

“WARUM NICHT DER BÄR?” (WHY NOT THE BEAR?) is an immersive performance and participatory installation, partly composed, partly improvised, in which the audience takes on the role of zoo visitors and at the same time provides improvisational impulses and ideas for the performer.

Bizarre times create bizarre heroes, and so the character of the depressed bear, created by physical theatre artist and clown Lena Binski, emerged from the diverse experiences of the pandemic period.

Forced isolation is a test of endurance. Without a doubt, freedom is the most valuable thing a person has. But how does it feel to be locked up your whole life? Do you miss your freedom? Or have you come to terms with the situation and don’t suffer at all? How do you interact with what’s happening outside the cage?

Concept | Choreography | Performance Lena Binski
Set design | Sound Otto Richard
Lighting Patricio Tonato