Accessibility

As a HAU Hebbel am Ufer festival we are part of an institution that is always learning. We are working on making the programme, the theatres, and our work processes gradually more diverse and inclusive. To foster this development, we collaborate with external consultants in interdepartmental working groups in the fields of diversity, accessibility, and sustainability in order to actively shape the organisational culture. Currently, HAU is only partially accessible. On this page, you can find more information about each individual venue as well as information on the programme and what we offer in terms of accessibility.

Statement on digital accessibility for Tanz im August and HAU Hebbel am Ufer (German)

Contact


We welcome any feedback to improve, raise awareness and further create offerings.

Please send us an email: access@tanzimaugust.de or call us: 
+49 (0)30 259004-27

HAU Hebbel am Ufer venues


HAU1 and HAU2 are barrier-free, HAU3 unfortunately not. Detailed information on reaching and visiting each venue is available here on the HAU Hebbel am Ufer website.

Venues


The performance venues of Tanz im August are (partially) barrier-free.

You can find detailed information on how to get there and visiting the festival on the websites of the individual venues and on the subpages of the respective productions. 

Tickets


Persons with disabilities who require an accompanying person will receive a reduced admission ticket; the accompanying person will receive free admission. Accessible seating tickets and accompanying tickets are available and can be booked via email at tickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de or by phone at +49 (0)30 259004-27 through our box office team.

For ticket inquiries and registrations for the offers listed below, you can also contact our team at access@tanzimaugust.de or +49 (0)30 259004-27

Easy Language


To ensure accessible information, each production page begins with a summary in Easy Language. This text appears at the top of the page and is highlighted in bold.

Easy Language is a clearly structured and simplified form of English that makes complex content more accessible. It is designed especially for people with cognitive disabilities, limited English proficiency, or learning difficulties – supporting inclusive communication.

Services for blind and visually impaired visitors


The performance “Bat Dances” is conceived in accordance with the principles of ‘Aesthetics of Access’, making it equally engaging for blind, visually impaired, and sighted audiences. Rather than using an additional audio description, a specially developed sound dramaturgy carries the action into the space, allowing it to be experienced through listening.

26.–29.8. | Bat Dances (English & German)

Audio Description in German with Haptic Access Tour


For blind and visually impaired visitors, an audio description with haptic access tour will be offered in which the performance is described in German. Please register in advance if you are interested.

22.+23.8. | HORNFUCKERS (German)

German Sign Language (DGS)


The opening speeches on 13 August by Annemie Vanackere (German) and Ricardo Carmona (English) will be interpreted into German Sign Language (DGS) by Rita Mazza and Aniella Tiedje (feed). Based on the information currently available, the premiere of “TRAPICANA” is accessible without DGS interpretation and will therefore not be interpreted. 

In addition, “Les Oiseaux” by Lenio Kaklea on 22 August will feature an artistic German Sign Language (DGS) performance by Rita Mazza, with Aniella Tiedje (feed). 

13.8. | TRAPICANA 
22.8. | Les Oiseaux 

If you would like to be seated with a good view of the DGS interpretation or the DGS performance, please register at: access@tanzimaugust.de

The following artistic works are also accessible without DGS interpretation through their visual language and are therefore recommended to Deaf audiences: “YOU CANNOT CAN” by Dana Michel,“HORNFUCKERS” by Diana Niepce, and “Sounding Light” by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan / Cheng Tsung-lung.
 

Relaxed Performances


Relaxed performances aim to welcome all visitors for whom sitting still for long periods of time in the theatre is a barrier. This applies in particular to neurodivergent people (including those with autism, Tourette's syndrome or ADHD), people with learning difficulties and people with chronic pain. However, many other people may also choose to attend a relaxed performance, either because they need to or because they like the inclusive environment.

15.–17.8. | YOU CANNOT CAN

Visitor Notes


On the production pages on our website you will find information on sound design, lighting, and content-related aspects that may help you decide if a show is suitable for you, so you can better plan your visit. If you have questions about this, please contact us at access@tanzimaugust.de.

  • Après moi, le déluge

    The show contains strobe lights, smoke, and loud sound. It also deals with sensitive themes, violent situations, and includes nudity. Hearing protection is available free of charge in the foyer.

  • Bat Dances

    The performance is conceived in accordance with the principles of ‘Aesthetics of Access’ , making it equally engaging for blind, visually impaired, and sighted audiences. Rather than using an additional audio description, a specially developed sound dramaturgy carries the action into the space, allowing it to be experienced through listening.“

  • Bruits Marrons

    Issues such as racism, experiences of violence and systemic oppression are being addressed and retold. At one point in piece, food is being fried and the smell of grilled meat fills the air.

  • CLAP & SLAP

    There are passages with nudity and there will be depictions of physical violence.

  • DOWN (full album)

    The event takes place without seating. The audience is invited to move freely through the space. If you have mobility restrictions, folding chairs are available upon request. The volume will be high. Hearing protection is available free of charge in the foyer. At the end of the show, smoke bombs will be set off outdoors without danger.

  • Every-Body-Knows-What-Tomorrow-Brings-And-We-All-Know-What-Happened-Yesterday

    There are passages with loud volume and strobe lighting.

  • F*cking Future

    There are passages with loud volume and strobe lighting. A laser is used in the performance. The performers are nude in certain parts.

  • HORNFUCKERS

    There are passages with high volume. The performers are nude in certain parts. The sounddesign and light effects can cause discomfort for certain persons.

  • IT'S THE END OF THE AMUSEMENT PHASE

    There are passages with loud volume and strobe lighting.

  • Les Oiseaux

    There is a drone on stage.

  • MASTERWORK FOR SIX DANCERS

    There are passages with strobe light and nudity. 

  • Outbox Me Battle x Tanz im August

    The event will take place outdoors and without seating. The stage is located between the entrances on Columbiadamm and Oderstraße, in front of "Haus 104". 

    Click here for a detailed map of the venue location.

    Please register in advance via e-mail at festival@tanzimaugust.de.

  • The Choreography of Water

    There are passages with darkness and high volume. Hearing protection is available free of charge in the foyer.

  • TRAPICANA

    There are passages with strobe lighting, stage fog and haze.

  • YOU CANNOT CAN

    Please bring your own pool slippers; upon entry, members of the audience will be asked to remove their outdoor shoes. Please note that it may be relatively warm inside, so please wear several layers of clothing that you can take off as required. Swimwear is not required for the performance; the swimming pool forms part of the stage and cannot be fully accessed by the audience. There are no seats provided for this event. Towels will be handed out free of charge on the day and can be used, amongst other things, as seat cushions; please return them at the end of the event. A limited number of stools are available on site for those requiring accessibility support. The audience is invited to sit at the edge of the pool and dangle their feet in the water. Due to the setting, the performer may come close to the audience. Noises and sounds are produced at a few points during the piece.
    The piece explores the sensory and emotional experiences of learning to swim and being in a swimming pool environment.

    This is a Relaxed Performance, meaning the audience is welcome to leave the performance space and return as often as they wish. There is a separate quiet room equipped with stimming toys, eye masks and noise-cancelling headphones, which can be used free of charge if required. Early boarding is available for those with accessibility needs. If you have any questions, please speak to the ushers.