Anyone trying to carve out a weekend this September between Berlin Art Week, street festivals, and the general seasonal-shift chaos, just to attend a birthday party, will be pleasantly surprised to find an entire cultural program packed into a single location at Radialsystem‘s Open House.
20 years after opening its doors, Radialsystem marks the occasion with a long weekend for everyone. Fittingly, there are concerts, workshops, readings, dance and music on offer. Friday’s program (11.09.2026) kicks off in the afternoon with workshops, readings and screenings, opening with a major concert from the multi-award-winning Andromeda Mega Express Orchestra.
Saturday (12.09.) starts as early as 11h with Renae Shadler‘s Schrumpf! Greyline on the lawn and terrace — a performance blending dance with large, wind-driven sculptures, aimed especially at children and families. At the same time, Radialsystem throws open its doors for an Open House featuring a picnic by the Spree, workshops and musical interventions. Those wanting to get hands-on can join the dance and painting workshop for kids and families by Sasha Waltz & Guests at noon. At 13h30, a listening party titled What’s That Noise? follows, hosted by Sandhya Daemgen. From 14h, as part of Unexpected Lessons 4: Decolonizing the Body in Dance, Radialsystem becomes a space for exploring different perspectives on body, dance and knowledge. In the Kubus, overlooking the Spree, La Palabre Spaceinvites visitors to linger, read, drink tea and exchange ideas until 21h.
From 16-18h, two lecture performances follow in the main hall: in Amazonia 20240, Martha Hincapié Charry explores the body as an eco-feminist territory. The Cosmic Body by Dr. Rajyashree Ramesh views the body as part of cosmic orders, engaging with Indian performative traditions. Also part of the Unexpected Lessons is the performance On Unarriving by Sage Ni’Ja Whitson. The afternoon turns hands-on again with the In C workshop by Sasha Waltz & Guests, open to participants aged 13 and up, it introduces the movement material behind Terry Riley’s “In C” and explores what lies behind the concept of danced democracy. In the evening, the In C – special Performance by Sasha Waltz & Guestsfollows in the Halle, bringing Terry Riley’s “In C” together with musical interpretations by Acid Pauli, Rodney Barreto, Regis Molina, Daniel Allen Oberto and Karl Ivar Refseth.
For anyone who can’t get enough of simply letting dance wash over them, Temporary Title, 2026 – In the Middle, Somewhat Rehearsed by Xavier Le Roy is on the deck. In this publicly accessible rehearsal process, fourteen performers work with sound, movement and sculpture, offering a glimpse into the making of their new piece. And since nobody heads to bed at 22h on a 20th birthday, the celebrations continue at the after party from 23h with Acid Pauli and Shirin. Congratulations on 20 years to an indispensable Berlin cultural institution — enjoy!
Text: Jessica Röhr / Photos: Giulia Bruno, Yanina Isla, Graphic: Studio Landenberger Lee
Radialsystem, Holzmarktstr.33, 10243 Berlin–Friedrichshain; map
20 Jahre: Radialsystem für Alle 09.–12.09.2026. Find the full program here.
@radialsystem_berlin
