Our Work and Our Connection to Helene Weigel.
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
For us, Helene Weigel is far more than just a historical figure of the theater. She represents a form of strength that doesn't need to be loud to be influential. As a woman, she worked in an era and an environment where female achievements were often overlooked or undervalued, a structural problem that persists to this day. Her influence as the director of the Berliner Ensemble and as an artist was long overshadowed by other names, even though she contributed decisively to its development and success. This is precisely why it was important to us to make her visible: not just as a footnote in history, but as a central figure. She reminds us of how many perspectives are missing from cultural narratives and how necessary it is to consciously expand them.
The creation process of our work was also deeply shaped by collective thought. As a group with many different ideas, backgrounds, and artistic approaches, it wasn't always easy to find a common form. Discussions, doubts, and negotiations were a central part of the process. At the same time, that was exactly where our greatest strength lay: through the coming together of diverse perspectives, new forms could emerge that we might not have developed alone. In a way, this process reflects the working method we associate with Helene Weigel: a collaborative way of working where no single voice dominates, but a dialogue unfolds. Thus, our sculpture is not the result of a single idea, but a tapestry of many thoughts forming a new, shared language.
As a collective, we spent a long time grappling with the question of how to truly do justice to Helene Weigel; above all, we asked: What would she have wanted?
At the center of our work stands a chair. It deliberately evokes an executive or artistic director’s chair as a symbol of the immense responsibility and significance Helene Weigel held for the Berliner Ensemble. She was not only an actress but also the leader of this vital theater. Yet, this chair does not stand alone; it is surrounded by many other chairs.
This was particularly important to us. Helene Weigel was not someone who placed herself above others. On the contrary, she always thought and worked within a collective. She championed people, built teams, and created theater alongside others. She is part of the community, not above it. The installation thus reflects her character: strong, but never detached.
Visibility and Materiality
Another key point for us was the question: How do we show Helene Weigel today? Does it require her face, or is an abstract form enough? We discussed this at length and finally reached a clear answer: Yes, her face is important. There are so many striking photographs of her, and we wanted to make her visible as a person. Not just as a symbol, but as a human being with charisma and history. Therefore, we decided to show her image, printed on glass.
The choice of glass was intentional. It appears light, almost restrained. It doesn't impose itself but leaves space. To us, this fits Helene Weigel, whom we perceive as a personality who did not push herself into the foreground, but rather focused on the work and the people around her. At the same time, the glass creates a certain presence; she is there, but in a quiet, respectful way. The focus always remains on the chair at the center.
The Element of Sound
A third element of our work is sound. This was actually one of our very first ideas. Helene Weigel had a very distinctive voice, and there are many recordings of interviews with her. It quickly became clear to us that we wanted to integrate this voice into the work, as sound creates an immediate, direct connection.
You hear her speak; you get a sense of her personality, her attitude, and her energy. This brings her back to life in a unique way and adds an additional layer to the installation.
Overall, it was important to us not to create a "classic" monument. Instead, we wanted to develop a piece that corresponds to her ethos: collaborative, accessible, and approachable. A work that doesn't just commemorate, but invites people to engage with her as a person, an artist, and a defining figure of the theater.
We invite you to join us for the ceremonial unveiling of the sculpture this Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The event will take place in the newly dedicated Helene-Weigel-Hof at the Berliner Ensemble. We look forward to celebrating this moment together with the Friends of the Berliner Ensemble and the public.
Class of Monica Bonvicini
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