DUO:DONNERSTAG

Four times a year, on Thursdays, we invite you to a reading and concert in the foyer—the perfect early start to the weekend with drinks at the bar, inspiring texts, and electrifying sounds. We look forward to the next event featuringLeh-Wei Liao andDato Alaplaya. 

Leh-Wei Liaowill read from her debutnovel *Glaszeit*, nominated for the German Book Prize, which tells a story of fragility, resilience, and the unexpected power of new love in an atmospherically dense and crystal-clear language.

Larger than life. On an advertising display in the underground Taipei Mall. This is how the young doctor Novana sees her mother, the Taiwanese artist March, again. It has been eighteen years since March left her behind in Germany without any explanation. Everything that has recently defined Novana’s life fades in the face of this unexpected reunion: her desire for a fresh start, which led her to leave Cologne; her daily routine in the neonatal intensive care unit in Taipei; the sleepless nights she spends wandering through the metropolis. Then, at a karaoke night, Novana meets Sihan—a fearless activist, vibrant and determined. Novana is drawn to her, and something that had long seemed lost returns to her life: the possibility of intimacy. In a compelling and radically clear narrative, Leh-Wei Liao tells the story of defiant women, of desire and pain, and of Taiwan’s uncertain future—and asks what is worth fighting for.

Afterward, you can look forward to a concert byDato Alaplaya. Dato Alaplaya’s music combines elements of synth-pop and new wave with dreamlike, electronic soundscapes, characterized by emotional depth and a modern sound. His tracks are often characterized by nostalgic melodies combined with dynamic rhythms, blending introspection with vibrant energy. Alaplaya’s sound is both experimental and accessible. He offers listeners a blend of intimate storytelling and universal themes. Songs like “Feels Like Music” and “Festival” stand out for their atmospheric quality and thoughtful composition, creating a timeless yet contemporary feel.

Further information