Zwischen Aufbruch und Ankommen. Ein Abend mit Stephan Hellweg und Sophia Kummer.

Actor Stephan Hellweg and cellist and soprano Sophia Kummer will kick off the series “From Around the World. Right in the Heart of Aachen.” In an autobiographical staged reading, Hellweg recounts formative moments in his life: his birth in Brazil and his childhood in the Eifel region, his longing for the big city and his path to acting, as well as love and loss, illness, and new beginnings.

He weaves his personal memories with literary texts by authors including Joachim Meyerhoff, James Baldwin, and Kay Matter. The selected passages provide other perspectives on his experiences and explore themes of origin, alienation, belonging, vulnerability, and home.

Sophia Kummer expands on the evening’s themes through cello and song. Her musical contributions create contrasts, deepen individual moments, and connect the various stages of life. Works from different eras and styles become an integral part of the narrative.

Carsten Breitbarth is responsible for the concept, dramaturgy, and production; with this event, he launches the new series *From All Over the World. Right in the Heart of Aachen.* The series combines personal life stories, social issues, and live music. The event takes place in the auditorium of the Welthaus Aachen.

Stephan Hellweg is an actor, voice artist, and host. After training at the ARTURO Acting School, he has worked in film, television, and theater. He currently appears in the ZDFneo series “Doppelhaushälfte” and has performed in “Raven mit Long Covid” at Berlin’s Hebbel am Ufer theater and in the feature film “Führer und Verführer.” In his literary-biographical programs, he combines personal stories with texts that have shaped him and accompanied him throughout his life.

Sophia Kummer is a cellist and mezzo-soprano. After earning her bachelor’s degree in cello, she is continuing her studies toward a master’s degree at the Cologne University of Music and Dance’s Aachen campus, where she is also studying voice. She is a member of the German National Youth Choir and the extra choir at Theater Aachen and has been supported by Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now Cologne since 2023. As a cellist and singer, she performs as a soloist and in various chamber music ensembles. In her own recital programs and other literary-musical productions, she combines music, singing, and literature.

Carsten Breitbarth develops and organizes independent cultural events in Aachen. With the event series *Aus aller Welt. Mitten in Aachen.*, he brings together personal stories, literature, social issues, and live music at the Welthaus. For *Zwischen Aufbruch und Ankommen*, he is responsible for the concept, dramaturgy, and production.

The auditorium on the 2nd floor of the Welthaus is accessible only by stairs; unfortunately, there is no elevator.