Reflexes & Reflections – The Great Disorder
Thematic Days of the Berliner Festspiele on Democracy, Migration, and Geopolitical Upheavals
About Reflexes & Reflections
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Thematic Days in a Time of Upheaval
In 2026, the Berliner Festspiele opens "Reflexes & Reflections – The Great Disorder", a four-day discourse format at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele on Schaperstraße. The occasion is the observation of a world in geopolitical upheaval: a multipolar, sometimes violent world order is reshaping itself, autocratic tendencies are strengthening even in formerly liberal democracies, and imperial power fantasies are returning. What does this mean for Germany's post-migrant society? What reflexes – and what reflections – are needed now?
Curated by: Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel
Political scientist Saba-Nur Cheema and historian Meron Mendel are curating the program. For years, both have stood for a discourse practice that connects German memory culture, migrant perspectives, and international politics. Their thematic days combine classic panel discussions with performative elements – theater, readings, artistic interventions.
Highlight: Evening Talk with Angela Merkel
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the eagerly awaited evening talk with former Chancellor Angela Merkel will take place. In conversation with the curators, Merkel will reflect on the challenges of the current geopolitical situation for open societies. The format follows a series of public appearances by Merkel since the publication of her memoirs.
Voices from Multiple Generations
Remarkable: For the first time, Berlin schoolgirls will also appear as public discussants at "Reflexes & Reflections". Alongside prominent voices from politics, science, and culture, perspectives that rarely get a stage at such festivals will be heard.
Reflexes & Reflections — edition 2026
The 2026 thematic days focus on the tension between liberal democracies, geopolitical upheavals, and post-migrant society. Over four days, personalities from politics, science, culture, and civil society will participate – including Berlin schoolgirls, who will discuss publicly here for the first time.
The focus is on the evening talk with Angela Merkel on Saturday, August 29. The program will be accompanied by artistic interventions, performances, and installations at the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
Programme Reflexes & Reflections 2026
Thursday, August 27, 2026 – Opening
- Opening evening with curators Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel
- First panel discussion on "The Great Disorder"
Friday, August 28, 2026 – Discussion Day
- Panels on democracy, migration, multipolar world
- Artistic interventions and readings
Saturday, August 29, 2026 – Highlight Day
- Evening talk with Angela Merkel and the curators
- Panels with voices from politics, science, and culture
Sunday, August 30, 2026 – Conclusion
- Discussion round with Berlin schoolgirls
- Concluding reflections by the curators
Full program and times: berlinerfestspiele.de/reflexe-und-reflexionen
Highlights Reflexes & Reflections 2026
- Evening talk with former Chancellor Angela Merkel on August 29
- Curated by Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel
- First public appearance of Berlin schoolgirls as discussants
- Four thematic days combining panel discussions and performances
Prices Reflexes & Reflections 2026
Practical information — Reflexes & Reflections
Getting There
Subway U3 or U9 to Spichernstraße (5 min. walk). Bus lines 100, 200, 249 nearby.
Tickets
Presale from June 3, 2026, 2:00 PM, via the Berliner Festspiele website and at the box office in the Haus der Berliner Festspiele.
Accessibility
The Haus der Berliner Festspiele is accessible. Detailed information on hearing support and companion services is available on the festival website.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Reflexes & Reflections
Haus der Berliner Festspiele
Schaperstraße 24, 10719 Berlin