The Ransohoff case

Women in Carnival

a cooperation with the collective "A3"

Dates:
15 - 17 May 2025, 20 h, Orangerie Theater, Volksgartenstr. 25, 50677 Köln
27 November 2025, 20 h, Bürgerhaus Kalk, Kalk-Mülheimer-Str. 58, 51103 Köln

Prince, peasant, maiden! Princess, farmer's wife... Stop! With “‘The Ransohoff Case - Women in Carnival”’, the collective “‘A3”’ brings a thrilling play development on stage that links the past and present of carnival and sheds new light on its political significance. The starting point is the story of Gerti Ransohoff, one of the first female carnival speakers in Cologne: married to a Jewish merchant, her career ended tragically in 1932. The play not only tells the story of Gerti Ransohoff, but also uses it as a starting point for a critical examination of patriarchal structures, outdated role clichés and the re-emergence of racist tendencies in our society. In doing so, it creates a dream image of a tolerant carnival with accessibility and participation for all. Following in Gerti's footsteps, ‘A3’ explores the untapped potential of this event, originally conceived as a platform for political resistance; and explores the carnival and the blind spots that are often hidden in the confetti rain.

The ensemble creates a rousing and critical vision of an intersectional carnival that offers space for everyone - colourful, accessible and politically strong. A carnival that dares to be more than just a party!

Play / concept: Anna Möbus & Alina Rohde
Director / concept: Andrea Bleikamp | play development / text version: Ensemble | set/lighting: Claus Stump

PR: 23 January 2025, 20 H / 24-26 January 2025 / 29 / 30 March 2025, Orangerie Theater, Cologne