Gehe nicht
über Los!
A playful confrontation with the prison system
A theater project by Hoppenbank e.V. as part of the »Aktionstage Gefängnis« (Prison Action Days) initiative
»Do not pass go!« – for many people, this phrase is probably engraved just as deeply in their memory as the Monopoly game is buried in the closet. The unambiguous instruction on the action card serves as a punishment: Go to jail. Go directly to jail. This is also common practice in our constitutional state. Is it a deserved punishment or simply bad luck in the game of life? »Gehe nicht über Los!« invites the audience to creatively and playfully engage with the topics of punishment and prison. Following the thoughts and experiences of the participants of the theater project, a collage is created out of stories and performances. The members of the audience can not only watch, but also actively participate in this theater game. What new images emerge from this exchange? Can we overcome mental barriers and stubborn biases?
Behind »Gehe nicht über Los!« are people with and without prison experience who since January 2025 have been dealing with their experiences and prejudices regarding the theme of prison in talks, theater exercises, literary and biographical writing. The project was at all times open to new persons and no prior experience was needed. Some came on a regular basis, others only once. All have something to say.
Credits
Project directors: Sofie Ruffing & Lina Müller
Contributors: Andreas, Andreas, Anne, Carsten, Harti, Kimi, Leon, Lu, Marina, Martin, Michael
A project by Hoppenbank e.V.
Sponsored by Deutsche Fernsehlotterie, Sparkasse Bremen, and Airbus. With the kind support of Schwankhalle.