Salzburg’s Theater ecce marks 30 years of inclusive theatre

Salzburg theatre ensemble Theater ecce is celebrating 30 years of bringing people with and without disabilities onto the stage together, according to ORF. The anniversary production is Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Little Mermaid.

Founded in 1996, Theater ecce has repeatedly addressed social issues, including women’s roles in a society dominated by men. Its first major inclusive project followed in 1999. Since then, the ensemble has followed the principle that the stage should be open to everyone.

“I was looking for a story with which we could show the colourfulness and diversity of our ensemble,” said Reinhold Tritscher, the theatre’s artistic director.

People with and without disabilities work together on the productions. Pamina Milewska has been part of the ensemble since 2009 and plays the little mermaid Undine in the anniversary production. The inclusive character of the theatre, she said, shows her that everyone has individual needs and that all of them are allowed on stage.

In the story, Undine leaves her colourful underwater world for the surface and the human world. Above all, she wants to be close to her great love, Nalu, and sacrifices her voice and her fin to do so. When Nalu marries someone else, Undine must change again. She becomes an air being that floats above the sea.

The story’s themes of longing, belonging and change connect with issues Theater ecce has explored for many years.

The Little Mermaid will be performed in Salzburg-Maxglan until the end of September. The theatre tent then moves to Leogang in the Pinzgau region, where performances begin in mid-October.

Theatre ecce also faces changes of its own. After the anniversary year, plans for its future are due to be developed in spring 2027, potentially setting the course for another 30 years of inclusive theatre.