Project Alone in the pink Winkel: bring queer history on stage!

Project Alone in the pink Winkel: bring queer history on stage!

Düsseldorf has increasingly dealt with the often overlooked history of the LGBTQ+community during National Socialism in recent years. In particular, the persecution of homosexual people, which took place in many cities, including Düsseldorf, remains a dark chapter in history. A newly launched theater project entitled "In Rosa Winkel alone" would now like to focus more on this topic. Under the direction of director Marvin Wittiber and in cooperation with the Theater Museum, the Mahn and Memorial as well as the Office for Equality and Anti-Discrimination Düsseldorf, a creative forum is created to illuminate the experiences and challenges of queer.

The initiative invites young people and young adults aged 16 and over to participate in this exciting project. Registration is possible until October 15 at the email address mail@marvinwittiber.de. Marvin Wittiber emphasized how important it is to learn more about the life realities of queer people in the Nazi era. "It is terrifying how few visitors are known about this topic," he says and underlines the educational aspect that is behind the project. The term "pink angle" in the title refers to the license plate that gay men had to wear in concentration camps. Looking at sober, this is a memory sign that addresses the isolation and persecution.

insights into the past

The theater project contains several seminar days in which the participants immerse themselves deep into the history of Düsseldorf during the Nazi rule. They are faced with the life stories of persecuted people and get an insight into the historical environment of that time. The participants will actively deal with biographies and archive material in order to develop a better understanding of the way of life and the challenges at the time. Supplemented by practical theater units, including acting technology, voice and body work as well as improvisation, enables the participants to artistically process their knowledge.

This connection between theory and practice is the focus of the project. "The stories of the queer people who suffered from §175 during the Third Reich and often murdered to bring to the theater strengthens our collective memory and helps us learn from history," explains Sascha Förster, head of the Theater Museum. The final presentation on November 3rd will present the creative results of the project extensively, and no previous knowledge in theater work is required.

commitment to visibility

Especially at a time when discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation are more present than ever, this project appears particularly relevant. There is a voice and a platform for the participants to reflect on their perspectives and share their knowledge. "I hope that this project will help to reduce prejudices and to raise awareness of the need for equality," Wittiber continues.

The workshops take place between October 31 and November 3, 2024. This is an excellent opportunity to not only work artistically, but also to go on a journey through history and to raise awareness of the LGBTQ+experiences during National Socialism. The participants can look forward to stimulating discussions, creative challenges and exciting encounters with other interested young people.

For the final presentation on Sunday, November 3, at 6 p.m., all interested parties are cordially invited to stop by in the Theatermuseum Düsseldorf, Jägerhofstraße 1. You can expect a moving and informative event that brings the voices of the past to the present and contributes to expanding the social understanding of discrimination experiences.

The theater project "In the pink winker alone" is an important step to bring the often forgotten chapter on the persecution of homosexual people to the public during the Nazi era and to keep the memory of this dark time alive. More information on this topic and registration can be found on the website www.lintorfer.eu .