Words on Stage

The popular format "Words on Stage" once again provides a grand and resounding festival finale this year! The evening brings together a handpicked selection of Switzerland's finest cabaret artists and most exciting spoken word performers:​

Kilian Ziegler from Olten has been among Switzerland's most successful slam poets since 2008. He has won the Swiss Poetry Slam Championship three times and was a member of the ensemble on SRF's late-night show Deville. The virtuoso cabaret artist captivates audiences with his distinctive wordplay, intelligent humor, and compelling stage presence. ​

Gina Walter from Basel impresses with her sharp wit and sensitivity. Since stepping onto the slam poetry stage in 2015, she has become an integral part of the scene. Touring the German-speaking world with everyday texts full of surprising twists, the 2017 U20 Swiss Champion's secret recipe includes a generous dose of humor, a touch of sarcasm, and a pinch of quick-wittedness. ​

schön&gut is a cabaret duo consisting of Anna-Katharina Rickert and Ralf Schlatter. Since 2003, they have illuminated the provincial mustiness and sensitivities of Swiss society with their poetic and political cabaret: intellectually demanding, linguistically virtuosic, and darkly humorous. In 2004, they were awarded the Salzburger Stier, in 2014 the Swiss Cabaret Prize Cornichon, and in 2017 the Swiss Cabaret Prize by the Federal Office of Culture.

Laurin Buser is a spoken word poet, rapper, theater author, and presenter from Basel. He writes texts, releases music, produces videos, and performs concerts. Buser is considered both an eccentric and excellent performer who tests the boundaries of genres. Together with Fatima Moumouni, he was awarded the Salzburger Stier in 2022 and won the German-speaking Poetry Slam Championships in Berlin.

Reena Krishnaraja has been conquering comedy stages in Switzerland and Germany with her fresh style since winning the SRF Best Talent Comedy Award in 2022 at just 19 years old. She began her career with a high school thesis on stand-up comedy and now fills venues with her own full-length solo programs, humorously addressing everyday racism and clichés. The native of Appenzell Ausserrhoden with Tamil roots is rightly considered the future of Swiss comedy. ​

The spectacle is hosted by none other than "Mister Hiphop" Pablo Vögtli, co-host of the radio rap show Bounce on SRF Virus and presenter of Cypher, Switzerland's largest live rap event.