THE DEMOCRACY MONOLOGUES

As early as December, they are inviting the public to a ‘work-in-progress’ preview:

Actors, musicians and singers will offer glimpses of the play, and Michael Ruf will speak about the challenges of developing a play that aims for nothing less than to contribute to the fight against right-wing extremism and fascism, and to the preservation of this democracy.

THE DEMOCRACY MONOLOGUES (working title)

‘Democracy dies in daylight.’ The Democracy Monologues tell the stories of people living in societies that are transforming from democracies into autocracies. These protagonists experience first-hand how individual aspects – such as freedom of the press and freedom of expression, the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers, or the rights of minorities – are severely affected. They witness these changes in their roles as politicians, judges, journalists and activists, but also equally in their personal lives.

The protagonists recount periods of shock, fear and powerlessness, but also of continuing to fight, of courage and resistance. Drawing on their own life stories, they provide analytical clarity on the mechanisms of the erosion of democracy, as well as on strategies for resistance.

They describe exactly what happens when autocrats deploy their toolkit of strategies, tactics and tricks. They illustrate the enormously draining struggle against a seemingly invincible media monster, created by the autocratic head of state.

Yet THE DEMOCRACY MONOLOGUES do not leave the audience with a sense of powerlessness. For it is precisely this impression of powerlessness that the autocrats of this world seek to instil in us. Consequently, the protagonists repeatedly recount experiences of self-efficacy and the sense of being able to make a difference.

Specifically, THE DEMOCRACY MONOLOGUES are expected to offer a glimpse into the following three countries:

• You will gain a personal and intimate insight into what it means to have lived under Viktor Orbán in Hungary for 16 years, and how the playbook of autocracy subtly but effectively stripped people of their freedom.

• You will learn what it means when a sanctuary city in the US organises resistance against ICE raids, and we will hear from families affected by the deportation frenzy.

• You will learn how, in Germany too, the threat posed by far-right, racist and anti-democratic forces is becoming increasingly alarming, how this shapes the everyday lives of many people, but also how resistance is being organised and carried out courageously.

This will be followed by an in-depth discussion with the author and director Michael Ruf, and all audience members are invited to share their impressions: How do they react to this film? What works? What is interesting? What is missing? What is annoying? What is moving?