In Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union a so-called "kommunalka" is a form of apartment-sharing community, in which several families live in one flat, sharing the sanitary facilities and the kitchen. The basic idea was on the one hand the enhanced usage of the short living space, e.g. in St. Petersburg, and on the other hand the strengthening of the corporate feeling. The performance itself, however, involved interpersonal challenges.

In this project the term "kommunalka" was used as a transmission for migration and even more: as a programme. With several art formats, Eastern Europeans who now live in Berlin told their personal story. In the run-up there were 40 interviews which represented the basis for the theatre and music performances, the radio features and presentations. Some of the artists arranged special living and action interiors in order to make their art directly available to the recipient, such as the room of the Bulgarian opera singer or the Polish poet, the Russian hairdresser’s shop or the Polish butchery.

The audience had further possibilities to be involved: The venue offered diverse places to talk, cook, eat or dance together. The Eastern European attitude to life and the specific atmosphere could be closely experienced here.

Project location: Ballhaus Ost, Berlin

Project duration: June 3 to 5, 2010

Project partner: Kommunalka c/o Jürgen Schulz