Jon Kellam on Berlin:

Berlin is a large cosmopolitan city, obviously much larger than Arezzo and Torino where we have been training or have trained. Because of this I expect to encounter a burgeoning diversity of culture including art exhibitions, great theatre (can’t wait to see what’s playing at The Berliner Ensemble), architecture, and a rambunctious nightlife. As part of the nightlife we will experience we can be sure to encounter interesting culinary diversity. 

So, instead of deciding what kind of pasta to make for dinner or which Tuscan/Aretino restaurant to dine in, we will have access to extensive German cuisine such as sausages and beer singular to German taste, and a much wider diversity of ethnic cuisine. There will probably be other summer fun things to explore as well, like parks and museums, historical landmarks, etc.

 I am particularly excited to be working with Familie Flöz! I have now seen two of their productions and their hybrid style of clown and full mask work intrigues me to no end. From the training and devising we will do I am sure I will take away a vast wealth of experience related to style and technique. The extensive mask-making workshops will enable us to create at least two masks that we will take home and I am looking forward to learning these techniques as well.

I plan to see The Berliner Ensemble in addition to local smaller theatre and performing arts events, some good German ‘Gastshaus’ pubs and restaurants, street markets and festivals. I haven’t done much research yet into ‘what’s happening this summer’ in Berlin.

Three things you are definitely packing in your suitcase?

Mud boots, a warm sweater, a good water bottle.