Title of the Masterclass: Word and Play
Speakers: Johanna Kappauf (Actress & Author, Münchner Kammerspiele) and Nele Jahnke (Dramaturg & Director, Münchner Kammerspiele)
Date: June 14 & 15, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Un-Label Studio
Language: German spoken language
About the masterclass
“Why is it so hard to organize my thoughts? Because my thoughts work too much. If I find it difficult to make my own decisions—like choosing a cake—others usually decide for me.
Language sits inside me. It doesn’t want to come out (…) I can’t stick to just one thought. My brain and my language set off on a journey—and I want to go with them.”
– Johanna Kappauf –
The two-day “Word and Play” masterclass combines intuitive writing methods with playful improvisation. Led by Johanna Kappauf and Nele Jahnke, participants will explore new ways of expressing their own language—whether through writing, speaking, or even painting.
The first day is all about inspiration: We will explore texts by authors with different learning experiences, focusing on Johanna Kappauf’s intuitive writing method. Participants are encouraged to step beyond standard spelling rules and embrace their own unique way of expressing language. For those who prefer not to write, painting or other forms of creative expression are welcome.
The texts created during the workshop will be shared in a constructive feedback session. This method was developed as part of the publication Perlen und Wölfe in collaboration with artists with and without different learning experiences. The goal of the reflection is not criticism but rather to open up new perspectives on language—both one’s own and that of others.
The second day focuses on improvisation. Together, we will dive fearlessly into play, exploring poetic spaces without the fear of failure. Using simple techniques, participants will investigate their relationship to space and to each other. Scenes will emerge from “nothing”—a technique known as “zero improvisation.”
What to Expect
- A joy for experimentation: No prior experience required—just a willingness to play! 😊
- From play to performance: Simple theater exercises will lead to encounters that develop into improvised scenes.
- Text methodology: Inspired by Johanna Kappauf’s intuitive writing technique, participants will create their own texts—or, if they prefer, images on a given theme.
- Zero improvisation: Respect and openness toward others’ ideas create space for creative expression. Often, the most exciting scenes emerge from moments of supposed “failure.”
Who is it for?
The masterclass is open to professional and semi-professional artists with and without disabilities from various performing arts disciplines, including:
- Dancers, choreographers, and performers
- Actors, musicians, directors, and dramaturgs
- Cultural professionals and other interested individuals
Speakers
Johanna Kappauf
After finishing school, Johanna Kappauf worked at SWW München Weberei and performed with the theater group Die Blindgänger. She participated in inclusion workshops at the Otto Falckenberg School in 2019 and 2020. Her first engagement at the Münchner Kammerspiele was in the production Heidi weint.
Since the 2022/23 season, she has been a permanent ensemble member at the Münchner Kammerspiele—while continuing to work part-time at the weaving mill, a decision that is important to her. She has performed in productions such as Amerika (Dir. Charlotte Sprenger), Anti·gone – Sophocles in Simple Language (Dir. Nele Jahnke), and Oh Schreck (Dir. Jan Christoph Gockel).
For her performance in Wer immer hofft, stirbt singend (Dir. Jan Christoph Gockel), she received the Therese-Giehse-Prize in 2022. In 2023, she was also awarded the Förderpreis des Vereins zur Förderung der Münchner Kammerspiele e.V.. In addition to acting, Johanna Kappauf writes poetry and prose.
Nele Jahnke
Nele Jahnke studied theater directing at the Zurich University of the Arts. She then worked for many years as an artistic collaborator and co-director at Theater HORA in Zurich, where she actively promoted the visibility and participation of artists with disabilities in the theater world and public discourse.
She directed several productions with the HORA ensemble and initiated audience engagement formats. Together with Michael Elber and Marcel Bugiel, she conceptualized and led the long-term project “Freie Republik HORA”, in which the ensemble created its own productions. In 2019, she was awarded the Cultural Promotion Prize of the Canton of Zurich for her work.
Since 2020, she has been a dramaturg and director on the artistic leadership team at the Münchner Kammerspiele, where she develops and implements the All Abled Arts program, working to make the city theater more inclusive step by step. Her projects include directing Anti·gone – Sophocles in Simple Language and developing the relaxed performance format “Hamlet Meets The Lion King.”
The Münchner Kammerspiele is the only city theater in Germany that has permanently integrated actors with different learning experiences and physical disabilities into its ensemble.
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Access
All event spaces are wheelchair accessible. Assistance dogs are welcome.
- Accessible for wheelchair users, step-free access
- Barrier-free restroom with shower and toilet, including a hoist for wheelchair users
- Garden access via lift for wheelchair users
- Automatic door opener
- 3 designated accessible parking spaces directly in front of the venue
- 1 additional accessible parking space provided by the City of Cologne around the corner
- Public transport: The barrier-free stop “Lenauplatz” on Line 5 is located 100 meters away
If needed, we can provide the following support services—please indicate your requirements when registering:
- Interpretation into German Sign Language (DGS)
- On-site work or mobility assistance (provided by Un-Label if required)
More information
Address: Un-Label Studio | Hosterstr. 1-5 | 50825 Cologne-Neuehrenfeld
The Lenauplatz stop (barrier-free) of KVB Line 5 (Dom / Hbf – Ossendorf) is located in close proximity to the building at Hosterstraße 1-5.
Departure times (KVB)
Participation Fee: €50 | €75 | €95 (self-assessed) per participant per weekend
For questions and further information, contact us at:
masterclasses@un-label.eu
+49 (221) – 5501544
info@un-label.eu
