ALFRED RIES (1897-1967) – PRÄSIDENT, VISIONÄR, WERDERANER

ALFRED RIES (1897–1967) – PRESIDENT, VISIONARY, WERDER FAN

Alfred Riesremained closely connected to SV Werder throughout his life, despite being expelled, persecuted, and forced to flee under the Nazi dictatorship. Appointed president of the club three times, he transformed it into a modern multi-sport club, spearheaded the expansion of the Weserstadion, and championed the values that continue to define Werder to this day: openness, commitment, and solidarity. In 1965, SV Werder won its first German championship under his leadership—a historic moment. In 1967, Alfred Ries was buried in the Jewish cemetery near the Weserstadion.

ABOUT THE PROJECT “FROM THE FILES TO THE STAGE”: DRAMATIZED READINGS BRING FILES TO LIFE

Historical files can be a dry affair—but not at the bremer shakespeare company. These productions, unique in Germany, use personal stories to transport the audience directly into the moods and conflicts of the respective era. Topics such as flight, migration, guilt and failure, coming to terms with the crimes of the Nazi era, or Bremen’s history and stories take on a deeply moving and compelling relevance in the present through the powerful documents and the impressive acting.

Since 2007, the project “From the Archives to the Stage” has combined historical and dramaturgical work, thereby playing a pioneering role in conveying history through theatrical means. The collaboration was initiated by Bremen-based historian Dr. Eva Schöck-Quinteros, and each reading is developed through constructive cooperation between students, staff at the University of Bremen, and the company’s ensemble. Peter Lüchinger serves as director and scriptwriter.