SUNDIAL – HISTORY OF AN ARMAMENT

Description

In 1945, the first atomic bomb was developed and shortly thereafter used over Hiroshima and Nagasaki – for the first time, a nuclear weapon unleashes its destructive power on a population. To understand this largely unexplored superweapon, a search begins for remote testing sites around the world: wounds are inflicted, nature is contaminated, and indigenous populations are displaced. Just two decades later, atomic fallout is measured worldwide. Under the codename Sundial, US scientists and military officials debate in the arms race about the greatest deterrent—a bomb that could wipe out the entire planet with just one explosion. A group of four performers embarks on a documentary search, delves into the archive of the atomic age, and is caught in a swirling vortex of memory. They weave together documents from US intelligence agencies, which are barely known until now, into a history of armament. With playful intensity, wit, and choreography, they depict key moments of nuclear arms race and the willingness of atomic powers to violence. The history of atomic madness is not yet fully told – currently, the USA threaten new nuclear tests, Russia demonstrates new intercontinental missiles, and Europe plans its own nuclear shield. The play preserves the traces of a time when humans invented the destruction of their world. WITH Anastasia Lara Heller / Nica Heru / Marina Leyes / Natalja Starosta DIRECTION / SOUND Lori Brückner STAGE / COSTUME Joshi Timmer TEXT Natalja Starosta / Lori Brückner PREMIERE Kiezstürmer – Festival of Young Direction at St. Pauli Theater SUPPORT Ilse and Dr. Horst Rusch-Foundation A CO-PRODUCTION of the Theater Academy of HfMT and St. Pauli Theater as part of the series "Kiezstürmer" supported by the Hamburg Cultural Foundation and the ZEIT Foundation Lori Brückner initially studied German language and literature and musicology in Cologne, working parallel in the field of stage music, including for Der kleine Angsthase (invited to Augenblick Mal! 2019) and at the Bürgerbühne of the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus, where she brought two performance groups to premiere. She then pursued directing studies at HfMT Hamburg. There, she staged, among others, "If only I understood your heart" which was invited for a guest performance at Vagentenbühne Berlin. The final production "Aileen" was shown at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg and invited to the Week of Young Directors. Together with her team, Lori won the Nachwuchswettbewerb Magma 2026 at Dschungel Wien. The production will open the 2026/27 season there. Other works include performances at Stadttheater Gießen and ETA Hoffmann Theater Bamberg.

Highlights

• Documentary play about the development of the atomic bomb
• Featuring an ensemble of four performers
• Addresses current nuclear threats

General Information

The play "SUNDIAL – HISTORY OF AN ARMAMENT" explores the development and use of the first atomic bomb and its consequences for humans and nature. It combines historical documents with artistic performance and addresses ongoing dangers posed by nuclear weapons.

Location

Klosterstraße 44, 10179 Berlin, Germany

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