The logo of the post-migrant theatre Ballhaus Naunynstraße: a drawing of a dog’s head in profile, showing its teeth with its tongue hanging out. Next to the dog’s open mouth is a red star.

Ballhaus Naunynstraße

Dena Abay

Dena Abay

Dena Abay’s artistic career began with dance and led her to acting through music. She gained international stage experience throughout Europe, Ghana and Namibia and completed her studies as a film and television actress in Cologne in 2017. As an actress and performance artist, Dena Abay has performed on various stages around the world and has also appeared in front of the camera for film and television. Television formats include Tatort aus Dresden and WAPO Bodensee, as well as numerous independent films. In 2023, she received the Best Actress Award in Paris for her leading role as Maya in the award-winning short film Get Home Safe, directed by Tamara Denić, which won several awards. When she’s not filming or on stage, Dena Abay’s heart beats for martial arts and music. At Ballhaus Naunynstraße, she performs in the plays Space Creators (2021) by Jasco Viefhues and Abdruckkörper (2022) by Yatri Niehaus.