Europa: ‘Wir Schaffen Das!’

Were you not able to attend Europa: ‘Wir Schaffen Das’ or would you like to rewatch the programme? Click here for the recording.

Germany has always played a central role both politically and culturally. For Europe, there is simply no way around Germany. Think about German writers and thinkers as Goethe and Hannah Arendt and Angela Merkel’s political leadership. Simultaneously, Germany’s key role is not without risks. Its leadership in Europe is ofted encouraged, but its burdensome past tells us that power should be balanced.

For the past decades, Germany has been a Europen symbol of stability and collaboration in the midst of rising nationalism and anti-EU sentiments. After 2017, Germany suddenly appears more fragile with the rise of the radical right wing AfD and Merkel’s diminishing authority. Where is Germany, and Europe with it, heading?

We consider the cultural and political role of Germany in Europe with, among others, the powerful German lawyer and Muslim feminist Seyran Ates, author Simon Strauß and the actor Lars Eidinger. Can Germany lead today’s fragmented European society? This will be the subject of the panel discussion including curator Chris Dercon.

Dutch singer-song writer WENDE will adorn the programme with European songs.

Seyran Ates is a is a German lawyer and Muslim feminist. In 2017, Ates opened the first liberal mosque in Germany. Her views on the ‘multicultural mistake’ of modern society and the role of the Islam in contemporary Germany are very controversial in a society divided by the consequences of the refugee crisis.

WENDE is a Dutch singer. She is one of the leading musical talents and performers of the Netherlands and recently  won the prestigious Annie M. G. Schmidt award for best song

Lars Eidinger  is a German actor. Since 1999 he has been an ensemble member at the Berliner Schaubühne. Eidinger is a leading figure in the cultural scene in Germany.

Simon Strauß is a German historian, journalist and author. In 2017 he released his debut novel Sieben Nächte (2017) to much critical acclaim.

Chris Dercon is a Belgian art historian and curator. He is the former director of Tate Modern in London and former intendant of the Volksbühne in Berlin.

This programme is made possible by Goethe-Institut Niederlande.

Due to security reasons:

* It is possible that you will be asked to show your ID.
* Possible bag control at the entrance, we advise you not to take any bags with you.
* Due to security measures, there is a possibility of screening and security check.
* No entrance after the programme has started.
* During this event, the house rules of Het Concertgebouw are applicable. By purchasing your ticket, you confirm to adhere to their code of conduct.