Katharina v. Sohlern (she/her) is performance artist, DJ, facilitator and performance maker based in Berlin.
In her work, Katharina creates narrative worlds and analogue immersive experiences that connect participatory theatre, clowning and music. Informed by her background in social anthropology, her events pull the audience into a story that they become part of and aim for the bliss of insight.
Thorough preparation and structure serves improvisation in the performance itself, inspired by the audience, the moment, and the wisdom of her body.
Katharina uses participatory theatre as a tool of self-reflection for the audience with the aim of exploring the magic and absurdities of human existence.
Education
Since 2017 member of the transcosmic performance collective Heart Chor
Mar- Jul 2024
4-month Basis Dance Training @motion*s, Berlin
Aug 2023
Theatre of the Oppressed Qualification Course @kuringa, Berlin
Feb 2023
Winter School @ Studio Kokyu, Poland
Physical Theatre
2021-2022
Embodied Dramaturgy @ arthaus.berlin, Berlin
(intensive one year course in physical theater and clown, based on the methods of Jacques Lecoq)
2021
1-week clown intensive with zuma puma @clownlife, Poland
Oct 2019
200hr Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher
2007-2013
Social Anthropology and Gender Studies @ LMU Munich and Mexico
IMMERSIVE THEATRE
Quest for Joy (2021)
Character Development, Costume, Performance
New Renaissance - Rima Experience Tuscany (2023)
Pictures: Nora JaccaudCharacter and concept development, Performance, Workshop facilitation
Phantazonia Parallel Portal &
Temple of the cosmic beyond
(2022/2023)
Pictures: Stevie Stevie
Character Development, Costume, Performance
WALKING ACT
The Encounter
An interactive pop-up performance that invites the audience to question and explore what it means to be human.
The immersive theatrical experience draws the audience into a surreal and absurd world that sparks self-reflection, wonder and curiosity surrounding the human species.
Last shows: Sisyphos Club Berlin, Fusion Festival, Duna Tura Festival Hungary
THE WORLD
Alien Anthropologists have landed on a foreign planet and are trying to figure out what species inhabits the place. By using elaborate anthropological methodologies such as participatory observation, in-depth interviews and collection of objects, the aliens gather information and open a space of collective reflection on what it means to be human.
The Aliens come from a planet ruled by THE GREAT LOBSTER. Their mission is to gather data for THE MINISTRY to have a better understanding of the various types of life in the universe.
They do not carry names, feel emotions or understand linear time and logic. Coming from a completely different context outside human logic, they carry a childlike curiosity and wonder towards the species and beings they encounter. They are there to learn and be amazed.
WORKSHOPS
Running workshops is an art and science of its own. It takes good planning, deep empathy, and attunement to each moment of the workshop to make it possible for participants to show up with their genius.
In her workshops, Katharina draws on a wide set of methods, ranging from physical theatre, clown, dance and yoga. Her workshops draw on her own embodiment practice and recognize participants as both, minds and bodies. She uses structure to invite participants to tune into their intuition and make improvisation possible. The aim is to provide a playground for exploration of what it means to be human.
Katharina has been offering workshops at: Boom Festival Portugal, Per Anhalter Festival, Garbicz Festival Poland, Wilde Möhre Festival Germany, Bucht der Träumer Festival Germany, Duna Tura Festival, Pinky Promise Events in Berlin, Rima Experience Tuscany
Pictures: Nora Jaccaud
In her workshops, Katharina draws on a wide set of methods, ranging from physical theatre, clown, dance and yoga. Her workshops draw on her own embodiment practice and recognize participants as both, minds and bodies. She uses structure to invite participants to tune into their intuition and make improvisation possible. The aim is to provide a playground for exploration of what it means to be human.
Katharina has been offering workshops at: Boom Festival Portugal, Per Anhalter Festival, Garbicz Festival Poland, Wilde Möhre Festival Germany, Bucht der Träumer Festival Germany, Duna Tura Festival, Pinky Promise Events in Berlin, Rima Experience Tuscany
Pictures: Nora Jaccaud
Sexless Orgy
In this workshop you will get introduced to the Ancient Greek tradition of the sexless orgy. Through the vibrant alchemy of clowning and physical theater, I take you on a titillating journey that transports you to a realm of sensual exploration. Within the flirtatious symposium, you rediscover the lost art of intimacy and connection.The Art of Intimate Connection
Imagine a world where we think of ourselves as whole beings, connecting body and mind. How can we tune into ourselves and be fully available to listen and respond to others? Returning to the essential elements of communication, through very simple but overlooked points of connection. In this workshop, you are invited to re-encounter the forgotten subtilties of shared eye contact, touching of hands and back and embrace the beauty of our shared humanity.DJ
Katharina DJed for the first time in 2013 at the legendary music club "Zum Teufel" in Heidelberg. Since then she uses different music genres from all over the world, like Disco, Funky House, Reggaeton and Downtempo and combines them to her unique Eclectic Discotech Sound. She plays in well-known Berlin clubs (Wilde Renate, Birgit & Bier, Mensch Meier...), at festivals (Fusion Festival, Bucht der Träumer Festival, Artlake...) as well as in circus tents (Zirkus Mond).