Program
Tränenpalast
On-site
Reading
Victor Schefé tells the story of a childhood in the GDR, of farewells, new beginnings, and the search for freedom.
Literaturhaus Berlin
On-site
Reading
The Chinese exiled artist Badiucao and the American journalist Melissa Chan in conversation.
Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur
On-site
Reading
The “Green Belt” stretches over 1,378 km from the Czech border to the Baltic Sea. It is a special memorial to the history of German division, which has also become Germany's longest biotope network.
Gedenkbibliothek zu Ehren der Opfer des Kommunismus
On-site
Reading
Silke Kettelhake’s book “SONJA: ‘negative–decadent’ – A Rebellious Youth in the GDR” tells the true story of 16-year-old Sonja, who was arrested in Rostock in 1968 for youthful defiance against the East German regime and sent to the Torgau juvenile detention center — a moving portrait of a hunger for freedom, rebellion, and state repression.
Haus 22, Stasi Headquarters. Campus for Democracy
On-site
Reading
In his new book, Marko Martin calls for a responsible freedom – opposing authoritarian temptations, false securities, and Western complacency. A plea for courage, responsibility, and clarity.
Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial
On-site
Reading
How Ulbricht shaped the GDR: Kowalczuk analyzes power dynamics, repression, and state formation – a key work on the history of German communism.
THEATER IM PALAIS BERLIN
On-site
Reading
Thomas Mann’s novella from 1930 was immediately interpreted as a political parable about the rise of fascism in Europe. The story raises questions about how individuals can be manipulated.
Berlin Wall Memorial
On-site
Reading
Book premiere with Burkhart Veigel at Berlin Freedom Week
Conference Room, DDR Museum
On-site
Reading
Historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk reads from his book Freiheitsschock and reflects on East Germany’s history since 1989 – with critical insights into unity, remembrance, and responsibility.
