A Region Takes the Stage — The Lausitz Festival Begins

From August 25 to September 13, culture in Lusatia will revolve entirely around the theme “geschöpferisch.” On Tuesday evening, the three-week Lausitz Festival kicks off in Brandenburg and Saxony with a concert at St. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Görlitz. 

The coined term “geschöpferisch”—derived from “Geschöpf” (creation) and “Schöpfer” (Creator)—addresses the transformation of the Lusatia region following the phase-out of coal, explains festival director Daniel Kühnel. “After all, the role of culture is to highlight different perspectives and new points of view.” The challenge, he says, is to embrace this.

“Hamlet” in a former aircraft hangar with Corinna Harfouch

Literature, photography, music, and theater at 22 venues across 14 locations are set to offer new perspectives. One of the highlights is the production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in the hangar of the former military airport in Cottbus. Director Marcel Kohler brings the play to the stage with, among others, actresses Linn Reusse and Corinna Harfouch and actor Götz Schubert. 

Since four “Hamlet” performances in the hangar are already sold out, an additional performance will be held on August 27, according to the festival’s website.

A youth club explores the themes of leaving and staying

But smaller productions also have their place: For example, a youth club from Cottbus will present the world premiere of a play that explores the themes of leaving and staying in one’s homeland. In a collaboration between Bad Muskau Castle and the Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art in Cottbus, an exhibition by a Brazilian contemporary artist—Jonathas de Andrade—will be on display. 

New to the seventh edition of the festival is the so-called Credo Prize, which will be awarded every two years to individuals who are particularly committed to promoting the social significance of culture. It will be presented at the opening concert in Görlitz.