We say THANK YOU …
… for 20 days filled with inspiring artistic works, applause and standing ovations, well over 10,000 festival guests, delightful encounters, and in-depth conversations. The 14th asphalt Festival, held from July 15 to August 2, 2026, has come to a successful close. We’re already looking forward to the next edition, July 14 through August 1, 2027!
Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk was a guest at the asphalt Festival. She delivered an impressive speech on how freedom, democracy, and human dignity can be defended in a world where violence is increasingly supplanting international norms. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is putting not just one country, but the fundamental values of democratic societies to the test. Read the full text of the speech here …? Read the full text of her speech here …
Sasha Marianna Salzmann opened asphalt 2026 with a deeply moving, powerful, and at the same time poetic festival speech. What is the role of theater, dance, and poetry in times of war? How are the horrors of our time reflected in art, how do they become embedded there, and what can art offer as a counterforce to darkness? Read the full text of the festival speech here …
Even more asphalt …
In our Echo Chamber, we provide a space for food for thought and contributions to the debate that go beyond the event programme itself and delve deeper into the themes and background of the productions featured in each edition of the festival.
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