125 years of Erich Kästner: a homage in chansons and prose
125 years of Erich Kästner: a homage in chansons and prose
In the shade of large writers, the culture always reaches for the roots that have shaped their works. For Erich Kästner's 125th birthday, not only is his literary heritage celebrated, but also the influence of his texts on society is reflected. This important occasion will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at 4 p.m. in the cultural café of the Friedenskirche in Ratingen-Ost.
Erich Kästner: Man behind the stories
Erich Kästner, known for works such as "Emil and the Detectives" and "The Flying Classroom", is not only remembered by his children's books. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of contemporary social problems. As the sponsor of numerous awards, including the Georg Büchner Prize, his heir remains relevant today.
The dark time of censorship
The history of Kästner is not just a success story. In 1933, when the Nazis burned many of his books, the author was banned from writing. But Kästner did not give up and published his works under a pseudonym, which documents his courage and determination. This facet of his personality will play a central role in the homage of Mechthild Krahmer and Susanne Schneider.
artistic homage to a literary legend
The event that takes place in the Friedenskirche will shed light on the versatile facets of Kästner by songs, stories and poems. Mechthild Krahmer, who enjoyed vocal training among renowned teachers in Düsseldorf and Hamburg, and Susanne Schneider, who studied the piano at the Robert Schumann University and acts as an important song attendant, will be the voices that focus on Kästner's work.
a celebration of the cultural heritage
The homage is more than just a cultural event; It is an invitation to think about the influence of Kästner's work on today's society. In times when freedom and creativity are often threatened, Kästner's message receives a new urgency. The event in Ratingen-Ost is therefore not only a celebration of his life, but also an important step towards promoting cultural education and the awareness of the responsibility of the artist in society.
This afternoon in the Friedenskirche will not only be a review of an important literary heritage, but also an invitation to everyone to deal with the topics of time criticism and the political satire that Kästner has so masterfully dealt with.