89/19 – Before/After

November 09, 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall – an uncertainty, an accident, a calculated statement – the big party. A short moment of happiness – perhaps for everyone in East and West. This is followed by developments that, depending on one’s perspective, have taken place either predictably or surprisingly. 30 years after the peaceful revolution, after the so-called Wende, not only questions of German reunification and its consequences are relevant, but also questions of the social (pre)history of different social systems, divided into East and West.

With the festival „89/19 – Vorher/Nachher” HELLERAU artistically dedicates itself to questions of coming to terms with the past, contemporary analysis and visions of the future in social times of transformation and upheaval. As expected, biographical stories in particular play a major role in linking up with historical and contemporary issues. The artistic formats range from scenic concerts, performances and documentary pieces to literary adaptations. Films, installations and conversations provide a framework for discussing what has been experienced on stage and in personal life.