Did I really just say that? Am I hearing you correctly? And why can't I get that sentence out? Communication is a mess we're trying to untangle. Whether with words or gestures, we're constantly sending mixed signals. Vincenz Türpe and Anna-Lena Hitzfeld take young gamers on a journey through overthinking, I-messages, and body language. Whether it's still water or an open book, we read between the lines. And—just maybe—we'll get to the point in the end. Who makes the first move?

EPSG:4326

Mixed Signals

Theater Lübeck

A young humanities scholar examines a painting, a still life: a man sitting on a chair. Aha. First half of the 19th century, Biedermeier. Oh, I see. Doesn't sound all that exciting at first… Until she begins to classify the painting, to reflect on the time in which it was created: the era of industrialization, railroads, Krupp, Marx, and Bismarck. A rapidly developing time, inventions that seemed to happen every minute, from an agrarian country to an industrial nation, fast, dirty, loud, a diverging two-class system. But the still life shows: domestic peace, order, and clarity. Outside, the world is transforming; inside, within his protected four walls, sits the Max Mustermann of the Biedermeier era. For simplicity's sake, the viewer calls him Frank. And she classifies it again: Biedermeier vs. the present: escape into a private idyll, cocooning, Manufactum and XXXLutz at home – coronavirus, war, and climate change elsewhere. And indeed, we've always been good at retreating into the private sphere. Everything won't be so bad... The image is accurate.

The still life

Dementia. A diagnosis that affects most people at some point. Even beforehand, there are worries: Is it just age-related forgetfulness, or am I sick? Will I lose my partner? Will I no longer recognize my own children? How can I ensure proper care for my grandfather? The progression of the disease and the associated caregiving situation frighten many, but they often also offer bizarre and amusing moments to reconnect with a loved one. When mom, at breakfast in the morning, no longer remembers whether she's had tea today or how old she is, it presents challenges, but perhaps also offers the opportunity to encounter her in a completely new way. To get to know her anew every day.

Milena Aliza Brüggemann

Events

Upcoming events

Apr 17, 2026

hand in hand · Theater Lübeck

Past events

25 - 26 Oct, 2025

Mixed Signals · Theater Lübeck

Oct 9, 2025

The still life · Theater Lübeck

About

Milena Aliza Brüggemann hasn't added a bio