Reading: Words of Resistance

Following the CORRECTIV revelations about the meeting of radical right-wingers in Potsdam and in the wake of the »No step to the right in Heidelberg« demonstration with over 18,000 participants, cultural institutions in Heidelberg have formed an active alliance. The common concern: A defensive democracy needs a defensive culture - also on the stages of our city. Initiated and organised by the Freies Theaterverein Heidelberg e. V. and Literaturherbst Heidelberg, a series of events will take place from 15 April 2024 to 15 July 2024 in deliberate reference to the historical Monday demonstrations, the Monday reading »Words of Resistance«. The readings have different themes, with the focus on »Words of Resistance« from (theatre) literature. The events take place at various locations throughout the city.

On Monday, 29 April 2024, the Monday reading complements the festival programme of the Heidelberg Stückemarkt, open air on Theaterplatz. An excerpt will be read from the play »Zähne und Krallen« (Teeth and Claws), which was written by theatre author Peter Thiers for the Remmidemmi resistance festival at the Heidelberg Theatre and Orchestra 2022.

The play is set in a world full of humanoid animals, in which a newly installed ivory statue on a university campus leads to riots. In his interrogation room, a police horse questions possible perpetrators in search of the truth. Not only does a web of possible and supposed motives unfold, but also different perspectives on the questions: Where does artistic freedom touch on (re)traumatisation? To what extent does identity (politics) emphasise difference? Is violence a legitimate means of resistance? And which educational reform is capable of punching holes in the prevailing classism? In two time periods, »Teeth and Claws« tells the exciting story of the political implications of a carelessly constructed statue.

Admission is free!