Special theater

Following the heart to the “Hotel California”

Three Clini-Clowns: Birgit Schwamberger-Kunst (left), a "yoga teacher" and a "doctor".

(Bild: Einöder Horst)

An anniversary: actors with disabilities and professionals have been working together creatively at "Theater Malaria" for 30 years! "We have a different pace and a lot of humanity," says director Birgit Schwamberger-Kunst, who is currently working with the theater.

This group was formed 30 years ago on the initiative of artistically active people with disabilities at the Diakoniewerk Gallneukirchen. One of the most recent highlights was being awarded the Stage Art Prize. Martina Kornfehl accompanies the ensemble as an art therapist, bringing with her a wealth of theater experience from large, conventional stages. She also emphasizes: "I have never experienced an ensemble that cares so much about each other."

Rehearsal break: The current ensemble of "Theater Malaria", which is based at the Diakoniewerk Gallneukirchen.

(Bild: Einöder Horst)

Working in the here and now
There are currently 12 actors and actresses in the ensemble. "One of the great talents is that the theater work is strongly anchored in the here and now, in the moment - I really appreciate that," says Schwamberger-Kunst. There is hardly any time for heavy thoughts, even if the plays that "Malaria" develops itself are not always light and funny. On the contrary: the aim is to convey social messages to the audience and encourage them to see reality differently. "We want to open new windows creatively," says Kornfehl.

Three projects
In its anniversary year, "Theater Malaria" has tackled three projects, including a "full-length play with the working title 'Hotel California'. It's about working in a place where others go on vacation," says Schwamberger-Kunst. The premiere is planned for the beginning of November at Theater Phönix in Linz. A "Sounds Laboratory" - a performative reading with electric guitar music - is also being prepared, as well as a project in cooperation with the Clini-Clowns. "We want to go into old people's and nursing homes and play. We have a lot to give!"