Making the Story – Ukrainische Fixer im Krieg

In the organizer's words:

"The production relies on powerful images, moving music and stories that get under your skin. ... The ensemble performs with enthusiasm and commitment and Mariana Sadovska's singing lends the evening a special dramatic depth. ... Director Erlen repeatedly creates images that would be almost poetic, almost mystical, if they did not show the brutal reality of war."
Kölnische Rundschau about the premiere in March.

They are the link between the international press and the Ukrainian population - the so-called fixers. They organize trips, know the cultural codes, assess the danger situation, translate conversations and establish contact with those affected by the war. What drives them to take on the next job despite the dangerous "frontline experience"?

The play is based on a trip to Ukraine and interviews with fixers and journalists. They share a special relationship and at the same time have different perspectives on the production and staging of stories. This is also visible in the USA, where a family is suing the TV station Fox News. Their daughter was killed by a Russian missile while accompanying the team as a fixer in Ukraine. Based on field reports, Futur3 is dedicated to a professional field that often remains unseen in reporting and examines issues surrounding work ethics, safety aspects, appreciation and post-colonial structures.

By and with:
Artistic direction: André Erlen, Stefan H. Kraft - Director: André Erlen - Stage: Petra Maria Wirth - Costumes: Julie Wiesen - Assistant director: Silvana Mammone - Music: Jörg Ritzenhoff - Vocals: Mariana Sadovska - Video: Valerij Lisac - Dramaturgy: Lea Goebel - Lighting: Boris Kahnert - Production management: Theresa Heussen - Translation: Katharina S. Speelmanns - Artistic collaboration: Pavlo Yurov
Performance: Lev Friedmann - Anja Jazeschann - Stefan H. Kraft
Live music: Mariana Sadovska - Jörg Ritzenhoff

Supported by: Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Fonds Darstellende Künste with funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Cultural Office of the City of Cologne, Kunststiftung NRW.