Jurybegründung

“The Ringlokschuppen Ruhr is one of the most important independent production houses in Germany. Over the past 15 years, it has evolved from a socio-cultural venue that has always been home to theater to a fixed hub in the performing arts network. The following are representative of the wide range of important artists: kainkollektiv, andcompany&Co, Marta Górnicka, LIGNA, Boris Nikitin, Gintersdorfer/Klaßen and René Pollesch. The Ringlokschuppen’s program questions the hierarchies of theater – and this always includes the social stage – with relish and intelligence. For example, when the KGI group creates an amateur ensemble in its productions in Mülheim that unites people with different backgrounds and abilities; or when productions are presented with surtitles in several languages. With this substantial work, which is artistically highly advanced and thus enables access for a heterogeneous audience, the Ringlokschuppen is a productive disruptor and an irreplaceable space in Mülheim’s urban society. It is a venue that works locally and at the same time has an international network and has transformed itself again since 2015 in terms of intercultural openness based on this dual self-image. The Ringlokschuppen Ruhr is thus a model of a future theater in the post-industrial Ruhr region – and far beyond.” –  Jury statement