Self-Portrait Between Steppe and Forest

Selbstporträt zwischen Steppe und Wald (Self-Portrait Between Steppe and Forest) is an autobiographical documentary theatre piece by Alexej Lochmann, directed by Nikita Betekhtin. The production was created as part of the Freiboxen format at the Deutsches Theater Berlin and connects personal memories with social and historical experiences.

At its centre is the life story of the actor Alexej Lochmann, who was born in Kazakhstan and later came to Germany. Drawing on his biography, the piece tells of migration, identity, home, memory and the search for one’s own place between different cultures. It also addresses the history of his family, experiences in the Soviet Union, and the impact of political events on personal life.

The staging emerged from numerous conversations between director and actor. Instead of a classical theatrical text, the piece developed out of documentary material and authentic memories. As a result, the boundaries between reality and theatre, documentation and artistic creation become blurred. The stage design by Ramona Hufler is deliberately minimalist: old overhead projectors serve simultaneously as a light source and a scenographic element. The intimate atmosphere and the direct contact with the audience are central and reinforce the personal impact of the monodrama.

Overall, Self-Portrait Between Steppe and Forest is a quiet, personal and at the same time political piece of theatre that shows how individual biographies are connected with history, memory and social developments.

• Actor: Alexej Lochmann
• Director: Nikita Betekhtin
• Set and Costume Design: Ramona Hufler
• Dramaturgy: Karla Mäder
• Assistant Director and Assistant Dramaturg: Lara-Maria Bruckschen
• Photos: Frol Podlesnyi

A Q&A will take place following the performance.