How well do we truly know our neighbors—those whose religions, cultures, or ethnicities differ from our own? Neighborhood Performance, created and directed by Adelheid Roosen, invites audiences to step into the intimate, unseen worlds of others. Through deeply personal, unscripted stories derived from autobiographical experiences, visitors are immersed in homes, streets, and communities often overlooked. Over the course of this four-hour journey, perceptions shift, and a profound sense of connection unfolds, revealing the shared humanity that binds us all.

At the core of the performance is Roosen’s adoption method, a process where actors live with local families for two weeks, sharing daily routines and engaging in candid conversations. This approach fosters a reflective space for both actors and community members to explore behaviors, habits, and patterns. Roosen’s directorial style is rooted in trust, creating an environment where participants feel safe to dig deep into their own stories. Her gentle, yet incisive guidance encourages everyone involved to approach their vulnerabilities with authenticity, resulting in performances that are raw, real, and profoundly human.

More than just theater, Neighborhood Performance is an invitation to connect. As audiences move through the neighborhood, guided by the local moped gang, they encounter musicians, families, and business owners, engaging in shared meals and authentic dialogue. During the neighborhood performance, the audience switches locations along the way, always stopping at a place of worship — from the Coptic Egyptian Church to a Marian chapel or the local mosque. The experience breaks down the boundaries between “us” and “them,” leaving participants with a renewed understanding of themselves and the ties that connect us all.