"Theatre is a mirror of society" - Sascha Dahm, BCE Alumnus and President of the Luxembourgish Theaterfederatioun

As you might remember from our article last autumn about the other panelists from the Bachelor en Cultures Européennes (BCE) Alumni Panel Discussion, the programme has recently established alumni groups for their various tracks. This event was part of the welcome programme for new BCE students, and we finally had the opportunity to speak with the third panelist, Sascha Dahm, the President of the Luxembourgish Theaterfederatioun.

How was the first ever BCE alumni panel discussion?

It was an incredibly rewarding experience to be back at the University, especially as a member of the Alumni Network. Naturally, this brought back many memories, and having the chance to help prepare the next generation for their future was particularly meaningful to me. I can only give the event highly positive feedback and hope that similar events will be held regularly.

What made this experience especially exciting and, in some ways intense, was that the students were asking questions that they might not typically ask in class or when talking to their professors. These were more personal questions that often bring a sense of vulnerability, as they touched on aspects of personal identity, thoughts, fears, and concerns. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to offer the students a great deal of understanding based on my own experiences.

Sascha (on the right) at the BCE Alumni Round Table

Why do you think it is important to have those kinds of events at the University?

Events like these are essential from my point of view. Especially at the start of university, it can be overwhelming, and it’s important to know that you’re not alone, that many students before you have already navigated this path successfully and are there to help if you have questions. 

Additionally, it’s a great way to make valuable first connections, as I believe alumni also have a certain responsibility to guide the following generations.

Which support did you get as a student during your time with Uni.lu that helped you most?

During my studies, I quickly discovered my passion for culture, and I knew that this would certainly shape my future path. The importance of culture at the university was immediately clear to me. At that time, François Carbon was in charge of Espace Cultures. For me personally, this was incredibly helpful in staying informed about events and having many doors opened. I’m still very grateful to him for that, even if he might not know it 😉.

How was Uni.lu different back then? 

Back in my day, the University was still very much "in its infancy". That might sound as if I studied there decades ago, but what I mean is that the University has developed considerably in a very short time. You can really see this progress in the so-called "small things", where students now have access to far more resources, like newspaper subscriptions, invitations to private events, and expanded networking opportunities. In this context I’d like to take this opportunity to say to the students: please take advantage of these offerings, and make the most of them! Stay informed about new opportunities, participate in events, and build your network! Networking is one of the most important keys to a successful career, and it starts, at the latest, in the university!

Tell us about your current job at the Theatre Federatioun and what do you love the most about it?

I take on this role with both pride and joy, as it gives me the opportunity to represent and continuously develop the diversity and richness of our theatre landscape. For me, as a passionate theatre enthusiast and now as Federation President, one thing is clear: theatre means variety! Theatre is not static, it’s dynamic, constantly reinventing itself and reflecting on itself and society anew. That’s precisely what fascinates me about it.

Theatre is a mirror of society—though this may sound like a cliché, it remains deeply true. Theatre opens new perspectives, inspires awe, and above all, it is live! There are no retakes, no cuts, just a unique snapshot, a direct confrontation between audience and actors. This is what makes it so captivating: no performance is ever exactly the same. Every time, it’s a bit different—a new tone, a different movement, a shifted gaze.

As President of the Theatre Federation, I am thrilled to be part of this exciting, vibrant process and to help shape it moving forward!

Sascha at work

What are your priorities as a President?

A few things, first of all, defending the interests of our members and the theatre scene. This is our primary mission through lobbying efforts. Additionally, we aim to maintain open dialogue and foster experience-sharing among members, as well as pursue the joint goal of creating more eco-friendly productions.

Then also increased professionalisation is very important too. Our young theatre scene requires further development in different areas to grow sustainably and reach its full potential. 

We also focus a lot on the enhanced audience development to attract a broader and more diverse audience, we will focus on innovative audience development strategies. Our goal is to engage new target groups and build a stronger, lasting connection with our audience. In order to achieve this more promotion for our scene is necessary. Our theatre scene needs heightened visibility, both nationally and internationally. Greater media presence, targeted campaigns, and partnerships will help bring our scene further into the spotlight.

Last but not the least, synergies between education and culture is one of my priorities too. By fostering closer collaboration with the education sector, we aim to establish theatre as a vital part of learning. Integrating culture and education will enhance theatre’s impact as a space for reflection and societal dialogue.

Tell us about your aspirations for the future.

Looking ahead, my aspirations are centered on advancing the impact of culture and the arts on an international scale, particularly through academic and diplomatic avenues. Pursuing a PhD with an international perspective on theatre and cultural studies is a significant goal for me. I am interested in exploring how theatre reflects societal shifts and how it can foster cross-cultural understanding, especially in diverse or post-conflict societies. This research could delve into topics like how the arts influence social cohesion, cultural identity, and even policy-making.

Additionally, I see myself stepping into a role as a cultural ambassador, representing and promoting the dynamic, often underrecognised facets of my country’s artistic landscape abroad. Acting as a bridge between cultures, I aspire to facilitate dialogue, collaborative projects, and cultural exchanges that can enrich both local and global audiences.

Ultimately, my aim is to contribute to an international appreciation for the arts, particularly theatre as a universal language. Theatre has a unique ability to transcend cultural boundaries, inviting audiences into shared experiences that reveal universal emotions, ideas, and perspectives. By championing theatre on an international scale, I hope to highlight its power to foster empathy, inspire dialogue, and create a sense of connection across diverse communities. In all my future endeavors, I am committed to advocating for theatre as a transformative force that speaks to the heart of our shared humanity.