Monday evening, 6 pm in Markthalle Neun. While the market quietens down, a different kind of hustle and bustle begins on the beer benches: game boxes are opened, cards are shuffled, strategies are forged - and the balls are flying at the table tennis tables. Waldemar Zeiler and his doubles partner Suk are ready to play their first set. The 80-year-old Suk is a streetball icon around the Park am Gleisdreieck - and even though there is hardly any defence against her devilish backhand, even her ping-pong partners radiate pure joy.

But there is more to the playful hustle and bustle: The grey Berlin sky is weighing heavily these days. Looking at the news does the rest. For Waldemar, playing is therefore more than just entertainment - it's an antidote. Everyone manages to distract themselves from global or personal crises in their own way - sport, good food, a stroll through the market. Another recipe for bringing lightness and joy into the day? Mensch, ärgere Dich nicht! Meaning: playing! Waldemar is convinced of this - and everyone joins in.

A little peace, a little love... and a little play, that's what he wants.

‘I have a strong longing for lightness,’ says Waldemar, who has worked on many “thick planks” in recent years - from social initiatives to entrepreneurial projects. But in a world that feels increasingly absurd, he has decided to do something that brings joy: ‘After all the heavy topics, I wanted to create something that is light - and brings people together.’ And because Waldemar likes to take his ideas out into the world and bring people together, he doesn't just play on his own, but shares his joy of playing with the whole city.

His idea: a ‘playdate’ for Berlin. An evening where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to play. It all began in October with an appeal, and the response was overwhelming. Over 400 people came to the first Playdate in December. ‘It was fascinating to see how well organised people were,’ says Waldemar. ‘People brought their own games and those who came alone quickly made friends. Spontaneous rounds of twenty people formed at the table tennis tables - it was great.’

Community through play

But there is more behind the initiative than just a longing for lightness. Together with his fellow campaigner Kian Pariwar, Waldemar wants to create a space that connects people - regardless of age, origin or social barriers. ‘Playing is universal,’ he explains. ‘It doesn't require any special prerequisites and offers an easy way to socialise with one another.’

The idea ties in with the concept of the ‘third place’ coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. Between home and work, people need places to meet that are free from consumerism, obligations or a predetermined agenda. But such spaces are becoming increasingly rare, especially in cities like Berlin. ‘Yet these places are crucial for a functioning society,’ says Waldemar. ‘This is where trust and community are created, the basis of democracy.’

Against solitude

Another important aspect that drives Waldemar is the increasing loneliness in our society. The World Health Organisation (WHO) speaks of loneliness as one of the greatest health risks of our time. According to Waldemar, playing can counteract this: ‘It's a wonderful way to bring people together across generations. Table tennis is one of the few games that young and old alike can enjoy - and we need more encounters like this.’

The response proves him right: the idea has met with interest not only in Berlin, but also in other cities. Following an appeal on LinkedIn, people from Hamburg, Oldenburg and other cities got in touch to share the concept. ‘It's great to see how ideas like this are spread and inspire others.’

More than simple playing

But Waldemar is already thinking ahead. The Playdate is just the beginning. The next edition will feature a reading corner where people can come together to share and discuss books. But new play formats that encourage creativity and dialogue are also conceivable. ‘The possibilities are endless - and everyone is invited to help shape the evening.’

And it's not just the evenings at Markthalle Neun: the enthusiasm for Playdate has led the two initiators to open their own third venue for table tennis in spring - the Ding Dong Ping Pong Hall in Prenzlauer Berg.

The next opportunity to join in is coming soon: the third Playdate will take place on 10 February at Markthalle Neun. From 6pm to 10pm, it's time to shuffle the cards, roll the dice, pass the dice - and forget about everyday life for a few hours.