Big check for pantomimes: Funding for the future of art in Dresden!

Big check for pantomimes: Funding for the future of art in Dresden!

An impressive moment for the pantomime tradition in Dresden was celebrated today in the Theaterhaus Rudi. Guido Gentzel, the well-known drummer and singer of the band “The Firebirds”, presented a generous check to the Mimenstudio Dresden e.V. at a festive ceremony. This amount comes from Sachsenlotto, which regularly appoints prominent personalities as “enablers”. Gentzel has decided to make the donation available specifically for young talent's work in the pantomime milieu in order to promote the artistic training of young talents. This initiative underlines Sachsenlotto's commitment to supporting cultural diversity in the region, as Marcel Körner, sales manager at Sächsische Lotto-GmbH, emphasizes.

The Mimenstudio Dresden looks back on over 40 years of passionate work for pantomime and was founded by Ralf Herzog, who still works as an artistic consultant. The association not only offers regular training and workshops, but also performances for young artists and amateurs to keep this art form alive. This is largely done on a voluntary basis, but the costs for rooms, training and props must be covered. Anyone interested can take part in the training without obligation on Tuesdays in the project theater and become part of this fascinating art themselves.

The next big event: 40th International Pantomime Theater Festival

Another highlight for pantomime in Dresden is just around the corner: the 37th International Pantomime Theater Festival will take place from November 2nd to 5th. Exciting and complex contributions are offered over nine performances. A total of 27 artists from five different countries take part in this festival, which underlines the special international flavor of the event. For the first time, a group from India is also represented, which will expand the artistic spectrum of the festival. Artists from the Czech Republic, Spain, France and Germany are also represented.

This colorful mix promises a varied program, which also includes a family performance by Laterna Magika from Prague, which is intended for the youngest visitors from 6 months to 3 years. Spanish mime artist Carlos Martinez will present a selection of eight of his stage programs, while French group Mangano-Massip will perform “Alice in the Wonderbox” – an innovative mix of gestural theater, masks, puppets and digital art forms. The festival is rounded off with an improvisation show led by the founder Ralf Herzog himself.

Art meets time

After the festival there is already the next treat: On November 15th, “Rémanence” will be performed at the Theaterhaus Rudi, a play that takes the audience on a fascinating journey through myths and symbols of civilization. Staged by the Compagnie Mangano-Massip from France, the play with its four protagonists illuminates the themes of time, transience and memory. Viewers can look forward to an impressive spectacle with profound metaphors and a unique choreographic language.

The opportunity to experience culture up close is very much alive in Dresden thanks to the Mimenstudio and its partners. The support from Sachsenlotto's Opportunity Maker campaign, which has been awarding 5,000 euros annually to clubs and initiatives worthy of support since 2022, is a significant factor in strengthening the cultural landscape.

For everyone who loves pantomime or is simply interested in trying out this art form: The mime studio is always happy to welcome new faces. Attend the training and become part of this fascinating community!