Festivaleröffnung

What can literature achieve in times of upheaval? Jeet Thayil discusses the role it plays in people’s lives by broadening horizons and perspectives to help them cope with historical and contemporary uncertainties. He suggests: “A song, a poem, a story, a painting, an idea can lift us out of ourselves and enable us to recognize who we are and where we come from.”

Welcome: Matthias Pees (Artistic Director, Haus der Berliner Festspiele)

Introduction: Lavinia Frey (Festival Director, ILB)

Opening Remarks: Boualem Sansal (Patron of the 26th ILB)

Opening Address: “Singing in the Dark” by Jeet Thayil (Curator in Residence)

Musical accompaniment by the ILB House Band

The event will be held in German, English, and French, with interpretation provided.