Ministry for the Future

a theater neumarkt production in collaboration with collegium helveticum –
inspired by kim stanley robinson

Four episodes, four different locations in the city, one story of a future that might be ours. Between science and art this project follows the inspiration of the novel. Remarkable scientists, both renown and of a new generation, let science fiction serve as an inspiration to think ahead. 

What will our near climate future look like? «The Ministry for the Future», a bestselling science fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson is set in a near future, that, in many ways, has already caught up with us. It tells the story of various attempts to mitigate the severe effects of climate change, carried out by a fictional UN institution founded 2025 in Zurich. Science and fact based, the book still dares to be hopeful.

Theater Neumarkt and Collegium Helveticum take this fictional foundation as an inspiration and opportunity to discuss burning questions of climate change in the context of scenarios that can be expected for the year 2034. In the spirit of the novel, they bring together real science and experts in a fictional future setting in different spaces across town. A four-part live series between science and art, theatre, and discussion.


Language English

Episode 1: Geoengineering SOLD OUT
February 14, 7 p.m., ETH Hönggerberg, Zurich

Episode 2: Extinction SOLD OUT
March 28, 7 p.m., Zurich Central, Polybahn, next to the fountain

Episode 3: Nomadism SOLD OUT
April 11, 7 p.m., Rathausbrücke, Zurich

Episode 4: Foundation SOLD OUT
April 25, 7 p.m., Collegium Helveticum / Semper Observatory, Schmelzbergstrasse 25, Zurich


With Sascha Ö. Soydan, Ensemble, and Experts 
Concept Yael Borofsky, Georgia Drew, Charlotte Müller, Eneas N. Prawdzic, Julia Reichert, Sascha Ö. Soydan, Linus Truninger and Mario Wimmer 
Production Design Birke Beyer, Bettina Bessenyei, Juhee Han, Emily Hugger, Luca Ihns, Josephine Leicht, Ewa Wasilewska, Verena Zenker, and students of the HfG Karlsruhe (lead by Prof. Constanze Fischbeck) 
Dramaturgy Julia Reichert and Eneas N. Prawdzic (Proberaum Zukunft) 
Production Assistance Linus Truninger

A Cooperation between Collegium Helveticum, Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe, proberaum zukunft and Theater Neumarkt Zürich