Rhetorik

## THE BEAR presents an open stage ## 🛠️ UNDER CONSTRUCTION **Stories from the messy middle** January is the season of the unfinished. At THE BEAR, we celebrate true, personal stories that live in the in-between... ... stories of repair, rebuilding, and reinvention. Stories held together with metaphorical duct tape. Stories that prove being unfinished might be exactly where the magic is. **If your story isn’t *done* yet, it belongs here.** 🎤 Open Stage · True personal stories (5 minutes) 🗓️ **Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 · 19:00** 📍 Theatre Pool, Berlin 🎟️ 15–20 € (pay what you can) Come as you are: unfinished, in progress, **under construction**. 🐻✨ 👉 **[Tickets:](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bear-presents-under-construction-stories-from-the-messy-middle-tickets-1979312038589?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1mvhyfo%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMjA5Mjk0NzI0NS4xNzY3MTc4MjE0%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NjcxNzgyMTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjcxNzgyNDckajI3JGwwJGgw)**[ €15–20 (sliding scale donation)](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-bear-presents-under-construction-stories-from-the-messy-middle-tickets-1979312038589?aff=oddtdtcreator&_gl=1%2A1mvhyfo%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMjA5Mjk0NzI0NS4xNzY3MTc4MjE0%2A_ga_TQVES5V6SH%2AczE3NjcxNzgyMTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NjcxNzgyNDckajI3JGwwJGgw) ## **Our Mission** ## *THE BEAR* has grown into one of Berlin’s most beloved live storytelling events: a place where strangers become a community through the simple act of listening. Supported by: [THE BEAR e.V. ](https://deref-web.de/mail/client/3fe0d0dh9KM/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fthebear-storytelling.us6.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Db5d7f087b587f8f081c447437%26id%3Dfc0e2d8df3%26e%3D711d4db9af), [Moving-Speaker.com](https://www.moving-speaker.com/), [Female Speaking Berlin](https://www.femalespeakingberlin.com/), and [Experience Berlin Youtube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/@Berlin-Videos).

A regular meeting to read and discuss work writers' are currently engaged in. For screenwriters' serious about their writing and wanting the support and incentive a periodic group meeting can provide. The meeting will be at Alexanderplatz (contact Marc, the organizer, beforehand for exactly where). We'll make introductions about ourselves, our experiences and what we want out of the group. If you're comfortable in doing so, come prepared with a something you're working on that you want to read or discuss. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "The author is grateful to her weekly writers' group for kindness and criticism during the writing of this book." *from the Acknowledgments from the book "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan*

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Step back into one of the most sobering chapters of world history on this powerful half-day tour from Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Guided by an expert historian, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the human stories behind the camp’s walls. This former concentration camp—now a place of remembrance and education—stands as a moving tribute to the victims who suffered here. Walk through the remaining barracks, guard towers, and the punishment cells as your guide provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and insight into the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The tour offers a respectful, educational experience that encourages reflection and awareness. Ideal for travelers seeking to understand Germany’s past and its ongoing commitment to remembrance. ✅ What’s Included Professional licensed guide Fully guided tour of Sachsenhausen Memorial Return train transportation from Berlin (ABC ticket required) Entry and memorial site access Historical context and stories from expert historians **🌟 Highlights** * Visit one of the first Nazi concentration camps * Learn about the history of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany * Explore original camp structures, including barracks and watchtowers * Hear real stories of prisoners and survivors * Guided by an expert with deep historical knowledge

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 10:45. For space reasons we only allow a limited number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come. We'll probably be grouped around the large table in the back room's center. In the summer, also outside. Looking forward to seeing you there!

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Get ready for an unforgettable night out in Berlin! Join The Original Berlin Pub Crawl and dive into the city’s legendary nightlife — from buzzing bars to hidden underground clubs. This is the Berlin experience you don’t want to miss. Your night starts with a warm welcome shot and a friendly local guide who knows every hidden corner of Berlin’s party scene. You’ll explore some of the city’s most exciting bars, enjoy exclusive drink specials, free shots at every stop, and meet fellow travellers from around the world. As the night goes on, we’ll lead you straight to one of Berlin’s top nightclubs — where you’ll skip the line and dance until dawn. This isn’t just a pub crawl — it’s a social adventure through Berlin’s most electric neighbourhoods, filled with laughter, music, and new friends. **✅ What’s Included:** * Friendly local nightlife guide * Free welcome shots at each venue * Exclusive drink deals & discounts * VIP entry to one of Berlin’s top clubs * A fun international crowd **🌟 Highlights** * Discover Berlin’s best bars and hidden party spots * Experience the authentic Berlin nightlife scene * Meet travellers and locals from around the world * Enjoy free drinks and skip-the-line club entry * Dance the night away in true Berlin style

Drunk driving is not cool, but drunk writing is! This is a community event for writers, with drinks! Work on your own projects or use the creative writing prompts provided. Join us at Das Gift, where we will have focused 20 minute writing sprints, with breaks in between. Das Gift is at Donaustraße 119, 12043, Berlin.

✨ A Stand-Up Comedy Show about fixing ourselves, our parents, and our dating life… ANOTHER DAY!✨ 🌟This stand-up comedy show features the wildest stories and observations about the Berlin party life, his parents, and his dates…sometimes all at once🌟 The show will end around 22:00, so there will still be plenty of time to hit the bar and club scene afterwards. **🎟️ Get your Tickets here:** [https://fienta.com/fixmelater150126](https://fienta.com/fixmelater150126) 🕗**Times:** **15th of January** Doors open: 19:30 Show Start: 20:00 Show ends: 22:00 **📍Location:** **SaliGari** Simplonstraße 23, 10245 Berlin **🎟️ Tickets:** **Standard Admission:** 15€ **Student Admission:** 12€ Tickets for students with valid student ID **Walk-Ins:** €17 at the door (subject to availability) **❓FAQ:** **How funny is it going to be?** Very funny! It will be a mix of clean, dark, and emotional jokes and maybe even some dirty jokes, so whatever your style of comedy is will be part of the show. **How relatable are the jokes?** Like we grew up together! Ludwig was born in Bavaria and is based in Berlin now, which means that whether you come from a village or the big city, you will find the struggles more than relatable. **Should I bring my friends?** Comedy is always best with great company, so yes! Bring your friends and laugh together! **Can I bring my kids?** The show is meant for an audience of at least 16+. **What do audience members say about the show?** Hilarious! - Marcus, Austria 🇦🇹 Great show! - Jenny, Australia 🇦🇺 So funny and weird in a great way! - Josephine, USA 🇺🇸 **More about me:** **LUDWIG BENECKE (CH/GER)** Ludwig Benecke, the relentlessly funny and charming "nice guy" of stand-up comedy! For the past three years, he has been tirelessly showcasing his wit and humor to audiences all over Europe and the United States. As a Swiss-German nice guy navigating the unpredictable world of comedy, Ludwig hilariously recounts his journey from a life as an economic engineer to pursuing a creative career. His material covers everything from dating miseries and his upbringing to sharp observations about his former corporate job, offering a unique and relatable perspective on life's challenges. He is now based in Berlin and has been described by various people as “funny.” **IG @Ludwigcomedy**

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um eine Spende von zehn Euro gebeten. Weitere Informationen zur Mitgliedschaft auf: https://textcollective.de Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln.

[*Registration form required below*] **Interested in Japanese sword fighting or Japanese culture? Come join a trial and experience the traditional Samurai art at Katori Shintō-ryū in Schöneberg.** **Trial Fee**: **25€**/ session (2hr). Classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 19:00 to 21:00. **!!SIGN UP HERE**: [Katori Shinto-ryū Berlin Sign-up (google.com)](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBt4A13VgnEcgQQ2PDaruthmYMRWineG4KtUCKsuC9KBsCUQ/viewform) Registration is required before your participation so that we can prepare enough training equipment. **Address**: Belziger Str. 25, 10823 Berlin. **No previous experience required!** The classes are in English and German. **Our website**: [Kenjutsu Berlin - Official school of Katori Shinto-ryu in Berlin (katoriberlin.org)](https://katoriberlin.org/) **Katori Shintō-ryū** is one of the oldest Japanese sword fighting traditions (koryū) still practised today and is recognized by the Japanese government as a cultural intangeable asset. The school was founded in the middle of the 15th century by Iizasa Chōisai Ienao at the Katori Shrine (Katori jingū) and has become the origin of numerous other martial arts schools over the course of its almost 600-year history. The training consists of the continuous repetition of fixed sequences of movements (kata) and includes the use of classic Japanese weapons such as the sword (iai-jutsu, battō-jutsu, ken-jutsu, ryōtō-jutsu, kodachi-jutsu), the long staff (bō-jutsu), the lance (naginata-jutsu) and the spear (sō-jutsu), as well as unarmed disciplines, tactics and spiritual aspects. **The Katori Berlin dojo** is the only official shibu of Otake Nobutoshi-shihan’s dojo Shinbukan in Germany and fully dedicated to the transmission and study of one martial tradition: Tenshinshō-den Katori Shintō-ryū. Through these efforts we aim to contribute to the cultural preservation of this martial tradition. The dojo has one officially appointed shidosha. **Our sensei**: Sebastian Graetz has been active in martial arts since 1997. After almost 15 years of taekwondo in Berlin, he started with Katori Shintō-ryū in Asia in 2014. Since then, he has studied in Japan with Ōtake Risuke-shihan and Ōtake Nobutoshi-shihan, and in Vietnam with Malte Stokhof-shihandai. In 2023, he received his Menkyo license and permission to set up a training group in Berlin the following year.

Für Abonnenten vom "Autobiografischen Schreiben" von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung kostenlos. Andere werden um eine Spende von zehn Euro gebeten. Welche Geschichten tragen wir in uns? Welche Erinnerungen wollen erzählt, verstanden oder neu betrachtet werden? Dieser moderierte Workshop versteht sich als sicherer Raum, in dem es ermöglicht werden soll, Erlebnisse und Gefühle zu teilen. Das autobiografische Schreiben dient als Werkzeug der Selbstreflexion und inneren Klärung. Moderation: Joana

**Note:** *We receive bookings from many different platforms, so you can expect a lively group with people joining from all over the world. When you join this tour, you’ll be part of a fun, social crowd ready to explore the city together.* Step back into one of the most sobering chapters of world history on this powerful half-day tour from Berlin to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial. Guided by an expert historian, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the human stories behind the camp’s walls. This former concentration camp—now a place of remembrance and education—stands as a moving tribute to the victims who suffered here. Walk through the remaining barracks, guard towers, and the punishment cells as your guide provides historical context, survivor testimonies, and insight into the rise and fall of the Third Reich. The tour offers a respectful, educational experience that encourages reflection and awareness. Ideal for travelers seeking to understand Germany’s past and its ongoing commitment to remembrance. ✅ What’s Included Professional licensed guide Fully guided tour of Sachsenhausen Memorial Return train transportation from Berlin (ABC ticket required) Entry and memorial site access Historical context and stories from expert historians **🌟 Highlights** * Visit one of the first Nazi concentration camps * Learn about the history of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany * Explore original camp structures, including barracks and watchtowers * Hear real stories of prisoners and survivors * Guided by an expert with deep historical knowledge

We are going to be seated together at **the big table on the 1st floor** of the cafe. As always, we will do **two sessions of each 45 minutes** of writing with **one break of 15 minutes** in-between. We are making reservation and counting on you to show up, so please register only when you are going to be there, don't forget to update your RSVP if you can't come. Unfortunately cafes in Berlin are getting less and less laptop-friendly, please don't forget to order your drink or snack to support the cafe which will have us. If you are new to the meetup, don't worry, just come and say hi to the organizer. We also have many long-term regulars who will be happy to help you out and feel welcomed. We also have a **Telegram chat**: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit: https://shutupwrite.com Looking forward to see you! 😊

Die Gier wurde ioft zu einer Art Grundproblem des Menschen erklärt: Sie ist ein Laster, sie bringt uns von unserer eigentlichen Bestimmung ab, verzerrt unsere Bedürfnisse und kann unser gesamtes Leben ruinieren. Es gab sogar Philosophen, die Übungen oder Trainungsprogramme zur Beherrschung übermäßiger Emotionen wie der Gier erdachten. Ist aber die Gier aber wirklich ein menschliches Dauerproblem oder liegt ihre Ursache in der gesellschaftlichen Realität? So sagen bekanntlich manche Menschen, das "kapitalistische System" bringe die Gier nach Besitz hervor. Was kann eigentlich alles zur Gier werden? Bin ich selbst sogar in bestimmter Hinsicht ein Opfer der Gier? Zu Beginn des Treffens lernen wir die Grundgedanken verschiedener Epochen zum Thema Gier kennen, dann ist die freie Diskussion eröffnet. Wie entsteht sie? Wie damit umgehen? Bis dann!

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 11:15. **For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come**. We often have a large waiting list, and not updating your RSVP or not showing up if you do RSVP yes means that others miss out. We also ask that if you do change your RSVP, do it with reasonable notice. Thanks! We typically take over all of the cafe, but try to share tables if you can to allow space for other customers. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

This will be an open forum discussion of the book "Native American History."

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Try new games, meet new people, and find out what story games are all about! Explore the reaches of space! Witness kingdoms rise and fall! Create and explore tragedies! All within a single game night. We play story games like Fiasco, Kingdom, Polaris and Microscope that encourage everyone at the table to participate creatively. We also have one-shots of indie, OSR, and narrative-focused RPGs such as Apocalypse World, Dread, Lady Blackbird, and Old School Essentials! Everybody's welcome! It doesn't matter if you've never tried story games before or never played roleplaying games at all! Just bring your brain and a good attitude and come try it out! *** **IMPORTANT** * When you arrive look for the marked Story Games Columbus Tables. Each table will have a separate game. Seating is on a first-come-first-serve basis. * If all tables are full, look for a Facilitator. We will find a way to get you into a game! * There is a flat $3 cover charge for events at Tabletop. *** **Facilitators!!** Please arrive early so that we can get you set up with a table. Please reach out to me ASAP if you would be willing to help facilitate. You can reach me on the SGC Discord here - https://discord.gg/jUTvWUu

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Welcome to Drunken Philosophy, a casual, curious, social discussion club. Optional topic for this meet up: Is life a dream? Dreams feel real while they last. Could life work the same way? How do we know we’re awake, and what follows if we can’t be sure? Let’s kick that around over a around of drinks: • What makes something feel real: continuity, shared evidence, or meaning? • How would you tell you’re awake (reality checks, memory, other people)? • If life is dreamlike, what becomes of free will and responsibility? • Is identity a story we keep telling—who’s the narrator? • Are we author, actor, or audience in our dreams and how would you tell? • Does art/film reveal reality or replace it? No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it’s fun.