20 Years Namu - Namu Network

First Meeting

Photos by Daniela
Incoronato

When Children Grow Wings

APONI'S TRANSFORMATION

An inclusive musical by Una Gonschorr, performed by terminally ill children from the Berliner Herz Children’s Hospice, their siblings, boys and girls from children’s grief support groups, parents, staff, and volunteers, under the direction of Nic Romm.

A performance full of joy and a powerful message: hope, transformation, and togetherness!

In cooperation between namu Art for Life Network e.V. and the Berliner Herz Children’s Hospice of the Humanist Association of Berlin-Brandenburg, a special musical performance will take place on July 12, 2025, in Berlin Spandau at Circus Busch-Berolina.

Inclusion brought to life: a total of 55 children and 25 adults, along with members of the RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin, come together to present a special production:

“APONI’S TRANSFORMATION”

A musical specially conceived for them and developed with their participation, bringing nearly 90 people on stage and bringing to life a moving performance.

This inclusive production inspires us to embrace change with love and trust. The performers encourage themselves and others—and give wings to hearts!

In this special way, the nonprofit association namu Art for Life Network celebrates its 20th anniversary, while the Berliner Herz Children's Hospice marks its 10th anniversary in March 2025.

First general meeting

Photos by Daniela
Incoronato

Rehearsals

Photos by Daniela
Incoronato

The musical "APONI's Transformation" by Una Gonschorr, under the direction of actor Nic Romm, will be performed for the first time in close collaboration with the RIAS Chamber Choir Berlin, the young performers, volunteer helpers, and therapists.

This performance touches hearts and sends a message of inclusion, creative expression, and visibility for children and adolescents receiving hospice care. The piece tells the story of the transformation of the caterpillar “APONI” into a butterfly.

The premiere will take place in front of 600 invited guests and media representatives in the accessible circus tent of Circus Busch-Berolina. In this inclusive staging of “APONI’s Transformation”, the participants send a powerful message that art and culture are for everyone.

Initiator Una Gonschorr emphasizes society’s responsibility:
"Society has the responsibility to create structures in which every person is valued as an integral part of the community from the very beginning."

The non-profit namu Art for Life Network views this premiere as the starting point for future collaborative performances with the children of this project at other healthcare institutions in Berlin. Even before the grand premiere, two of the children are performing alongside members of namu Art for Life Network e.V. at the summer festival of Vivantes Klinikum in Friedrichshain.

Berliner Herz children's hospice supports children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 27 with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families. The focus is always on the entire family – not only the child who is ill, but also parents, siblings, and other relatives receive support, relief, and care.
https://humanistisch.de/soziale-angebote/hospizangebote/berliner-herz/

Now, we wish you great joy in browsing through the captured moments of this vibrant celebration of life.