When the ensemble "Die Stachelschweine" (The Porcupines) launched in 1949, political cabaret was virtually uncharted territory. Born from a collective of actors who performed at the trendy "Badewanne" venue near the Gedächtniskirche, the group borrowed its name from a 1920s magazine of the same title. Today, their stuffed mascot—a prickly porcupine under glass—still presides over their home at the Europa-Center. In 2019, cabaret artist Frank Lüdecke took the helm as artistic director, bringing with him ambitious plans for a stage redesign. He enlisted the support of renowned designer Werner Aisslinger, a longtime friend. But then came the pandemic. Just as renovations began, they had to shut down again. The team seized the opportunity to install a state-of-the-art ionisation system guaranteed to neutralize all viruses. The result is striking: the foyer and auditorium now glow with vibrant, multicoloured lighting, while walls and furnishings showcase rich reds and rust tones. The overall effect is dynamic, uplifting, and genuinely welcoming. Fresh technology, new lighting systems, and fully refurbished seating complete the transformation. At the reopening, Aisslinger himself weighed in on the redesign: "In today's world, venues must offer something truly compelling, or audiences stay home and stream Netflix. It's fundamentally about competing with the digital realm—and as designers, we're committed to making the analog world more captivating than the screen." The message is clear: experience it live.

www.aisslinger.de

Photography Credits:

Dirk Dehmel
www.derdehmel.com

(Published in CUBE Berlin 04|23)