A unique theatrical experiment supported by the Dialogue Office for Civil Society Cooperation, a documentary play reading titled "Journey from Russia to Russia" (read the full script in Russian) took place on Berlin's S-Bahn Ring line on December 1, 2024, transforming the circular train route into a mobile performance space.
Under the direction of Diana Meyerhold and a team of independent researchers, the performance attracted considerable interest, leading the organizers to limit the number of registrations. The event drew 40 people participating in the play reading, with 30 of them continuing to a dedicated space afterward for the discussion session.
The performance's distinctive format required audience members to board Berlin's S-Bahn trains, where they became immersed in the narrative while physically moving through the city. Equipped with headphones and mobile phones, spectators became part of a symbolic journey that examined the transformation of Russian society.
The documentary piece delved into the changing landscape of contemporary Russia through various perspectives, from railway conductors' daily experiences to concerned conversations in parents' chat groups. This innovative approach to documentary theater created a powerful metaphor for the journey from Russia's past to its present state.
The performance was captured on video, preserving this unique blend of documentary theater and urban space that invited viewers to reflect on Russia's journey of change.
