WORKING CLASS

Eight people recount their precarious working conditions, union struggles, and job changes, asking themselves: How much is my work worth? How essential is it to society? And what work is underpaid or even unpaid in our society?

In a diverse interplay of biographies, fictional narratives, and interview excerpts, a picture of modern working conditions unfolds. And it's the story of a "working class" that has been thrust into the spotlight, especially by the pandemic: experts who deliver, serve, care for, clean, look after, transport, pack, cash, haul, guard, restock, make phone calls, cook, wash dishes, harvest, test, disinfect, monitor, and much more.

Bassam Ghazi, director and head of the Stadt:Kollektiv, and choreographer Yeliz Pazar have created a production that is both political and entertaining, featuring people who often remain invisible in our society. Based on the life story of the poet and guest worker Semra Ertan, connections between working conditions and family histories, classism and racism, resistance and solidarity are brought to the stage.