Nahaufnahme eines Mikrofons auf Bühne mit unscharfem Hintergrund in Konzertatmosphäre.
© Pixabay / Skitterphoto
Poetry Slam

Word art on Hamburg's stages.

Experience culture. Poetry Slam in Hamburg

Hamburg stands for art and culture through and through. And over the years, poetry slams have gained a firm place in Hamburg's cultural programme. Those who want to see young lyrical talents have the opportunity to do so in Hamburg almost every week. The young poet scene meets here regularly on stage to compete and inspire the audience. And with the "artistic duels", the city even has its own unofficial championship. Here, you'll find an overview of current events and the most frequent venues.

    The home of the Poetry Slam in Hamburg.

    alphabet_(c)_Rocket_und_Wink_web
    © Rocket&Wink

    alphabet

    by Inger Christensen
    Translated from the Danish by Hanns Grössel
    Directed by Thom Luz

    World premiere on 6/3/2026 at the Schauspielhaus

    A zero point. A crisis. A loss of self in the illegibility of the world. From profound uncertainty – as an act of rescue – emerged one of the most important poems of the 20th century: "alphabet" by the Danish poet Inger Christensen.

    Like “someone who, after an epistemological accident, has to painstakingly relearn how to speak” (Durs Grünbein), the poet begins to collect words, arranges them lexically, and subjects them to a mathematical structure, the Fibonacci sequence. It is the sequence with which almost all growth in nature can be described. Where previously there was nothing, Christensen, through the small, recurring formula “there is,” allows the world to emerge line by line—from the apricot tree to the narwhal, from the individual chemical element to Halley's Comet. Thus, in our presence, existence unfolds, manifests itself, takes up space, expands into the universe, touches infinity. The physical and the psychological merge, connections arise, and dissolve. “alphabet” is a hymn to life in the face of death, a vehement assertion of existence in the face of the potential annihilation of which humanity has made itself capable. It is not only the poetic force that distinguishes this lyric poet, but also her keen sense of the present.

    Swiss theatre artist Thom Luz takes on this century-old poem to transform it for the first time on a theatre stage into a soundscape permeated by music – playful and sad, fleeting, full of quiet humor, with magically beautiful theatrical images and three outstanding actresses from three generations.

    With: Alberta von Poelnitz, Ilse Ritter and Julia Wieninger

    Musicians: Stephan Krause, Ling Zhang and Peter Conradin Zumthor

    Directed and designed by Thom Luz
    Stage collaboration: Malte Knipping
    Costumes: Sophie Leypold
    Musical direction: Peter Conradin Zumthor
    Lighting: Jan Vater
    Dramaturgy: Judith Gerstenberg

    alphabet
    FB Alternation
    © Mark André Kluck

    Alternation

    Ready to lace up your dancing shoes and make your body shake? We cordially invite you to the ultimate rock disco party in the legendary Indra music club!

    Step into a world full of pulsating beats, rousing guitar riffs and unforgettable melodies! DJ Fuchs will make the turntables glow and take you on a musical journey through the best rock hits and musical insider tips of the last three decades. Whether you want to plunge into the rhythm of alternative rock, new metal, grunge or post-hardcore - DJ Fuchs has everything in his luggage to ignite your desire to dance.

    Leave the stress of everyday life behind you, gather your friends and experience a night full of energy, fun and good vibes at "Alternation". The dance floor is yours!

    Bands:

    30 Seconds To Mars, Badflower, Biffy Clyro, Boston Manor, Breaking Benjamin, Bring Me The Horizon, Caskets, Creed, Don Broco, Faith No More, Falling In Reverse, Fever 333, Foo Fighters, Highly Suspect, Incubus, Korn, Linkin Park, NIN, Nirvana, Nothing But Thieves, Muse, P.O.D., Paramore, Pearl Jam, Placebo, Rise Against, Skunk Anansie, Rage Against The Machine, Royal Blood, Smashing Pumpkins, Starset, Tool, Three Days Grace, You Me At Six

    Alternation
    Main Poster 3000x2000
    © Dr. Alex Romanoff

    Art of Impossible — an intimate evening of theatrical magic and self-discovery.

    "Art of Impossible" is an exclusive evening of theatrical magic by Dr. Alex Romanoff, magician and historian.

    Hosted in Hamburg’s Zaubermuseum Bellachini – a private collection curated by Wittus Witt – the show takes you on a journey through the art and history of magic. Blending storytelling, humour, and participation, Dr. Romanoff explores why humans are drawn to the impossible and how our perception of mystery reveals something about ourselves.

    This is not a traditional magic show but an interactive cultural experience where amazement meets reflection. Whether you come with a partner, a friend, or family, it’s a night for adults who enjoy intelligent entertainment and meaningful conversation — an evening that combines curiosity, laughter, and discovery.

    Limited to only 20 guests, each performance creates a rare closeness between artist and audience.

    Art of Impossible — an intimate evening of theatrical magic and self-discovery.
    bee4change: Lesekreis für Kinder
    © bee4change

    bee4change: Lesekreis für Kinder

    In cooperation with bee4change eV, the Osdorfer Born library offers a reading group for primary school children with refugee and migration backgrounds. Come join us, discover new books, and improve your reading skills!

    The volunteer mentors read exciting stories and encourage the children to read themselves and thus train their reading skills.

    The reading group is for children aged 6 to 9. It takes place weekly in the Osdorfer Born library.

    Registration is possible via email to lema.wardak@bee4change.eu or by phone at 0176 578 259 36 .

    bee4change: Lesekreis für Kinder
    Bilderbuchkino
    © Falk von Traubenberg

    Bilderbuchkino

    Every Wednesday, we invite all children aged 4 and up to read a book with us. The pictures are displayed on the smartboard for everyone to see.

    No registration is required.

    Bilderbuchkino
    Bilderbuchkino
    © Falk von Traubenberg

    Bilderbuchkino

    Every Wednesday, we invite all children aged 4 and up to read a book with us. The pictures are displayed on the smartboard for everyone to see.

    No registration is required.

    Bilderbuchkino

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    An evening full of emotions Musicals & Shows

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    © www.mediaserver.hamburg.de / Hinrich Carstensen

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