A Queen, a Carousel, and Culture: 200 Years of the Luisenkirche

The focus will not only be on the historical figure of Queen Luise, but also on the question of which images of women and which traditional conceptions of gender roles continue to influence society today. A commemorative lecture followed by a panel discussion will examine Luise both as a historical figure and as a lens through which to view contemporary society, drawing a surprising connection to the present—all the way to today’s “tradwife” movement.

The anniversary weekend also has plenty to offer culturally. The program includes a gala concert featuring a choir and the world premiere of Ruth Wiesenfeld’s interfaith “Nachtgebet” (Night Prayer). In addition, the opulent silent film “Queen Luise” from 1927 will be screened, accompanied live on organ and piano. A play developed specifically for the anniversary, created in collaboration with professional actors from the KantTheaterBerlin, rounds out the program.

On Sunday, Gierkeplatz will finally be transformed into a small festival grounds. A historic carousel, a royal café, festival soup, “Luisenbier,” and a juice bar will create the perfect festive atmosphere. There will also be exhibitions, a selfie event, and various offerings from the neighborhood.

Program:

Saturday, September 12 | 7:00 p.m.

Festive concert featuring the world premiere of “Nachtgebet”

The anniversary celebration begins with a musical journey through 300 years of church music. The highlight is the world premiere of the commissioned composition “Nachtgebet” by Berlin-based composer Ruth Wiesenfeld, which combines the well-known evening prayer “Müde bin ich, geh zur Ruh” by Christian poet Luise Hensel with Jewish and Muslim night prayers. Hebrew, Arabic, and German texts, as well as wordless chants, bring to life the diversity—and also the similarities—in how people pray across different religions. Professional musicians will perform alongside a project choir formed specifically for this event. Learn more here

Sunday, September 13 | 11 a.m.

Festive Worship Service

Incorporating historical elements, the service commemorates the eventful history of the Luisenkirche. It marks the festive opening of the celebration Sunday.

Sunday, September 13 | 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Festival Around the Luisenkirche

Gierkeplatz will become a gathering place: Among other things, there will be a historic carousel, an exhibition on the history of the church, a photo booth with Queen Luise, market stalls, a royal café, a specially created festival soup, and Luisen beer. Initiatives from the church and the neighborhood will present their work.

Sunday, September 13 | 2:00 p.m.

Panel Discussion: “Queen Luise—Between Myth and Reality: The Influence of Traditional Gender Roles on Our Society to This Day”

Even during her lifetime, Queen Luise was revered as a beautiful, virtuous wife and mother, while politics was considered a man’s domain. Later generations repeatedly shaped her into an ideal of womanhood that fit the prevailing social norms of the time. The keynote address and panel discussion will explore how such role models continue to influence society today—especially in light of the success of the “tradwife” movement and new debates about the role of women. Historian Prof. Dr. Monika Wienfort (University of Potsdam), Berlin’s Senator for Gender Equality Cansel Kiziltepe (SPD), theologian Dr. Ruth Heß (Director of Theological Studies and Executive Director of the EKD Study Center for Church and Theology), and journalist Helene Bubrowski will discuss myth, reality, and the influence of historical images of women on our society to this day. Learn more here

Sunday, September 13 | 5:00 p.m.

Silent Film “Queen Luise” – Live Accompaniment on Organ and Piano

The monumental historical film *Queen Luise* by Karl Grune, released in 1927, recounts the eventful life of the Prussian queen—from her youth to her famous encounter with Napoleon at Tilsit. With striking imagery and grand crowd scenes, the film shaped the image of Luise as a symbolic figure of Prussia, an image that remains well-known to this day. The Luisenkirche will screen selected scenes—with live accompaniment by Luisenkantor Jack Day on organ and piano.

Sunday, September 13 | 7:00 p.m. | Café Theater Schalotte

Theater: “Sunday, Sunday, Sunday…”

Does a city really still need churches today? This question is posed by a play developed specifically for the Luisenfest, which traces the history of the Luisenkirche from its beginnings in 1708 to the present day. Together with professional actors Anette Daugardt and Uwe Neumann from the KantTheaterBerlin, people both close to and distant from the church bring the history of the Luisenkirche to the stage—with humor, surprises, and a contemporary perspective on the church’s significance for urban society. The play will be performed at Café Theater Schalotte—just a two-minute walk from the Luisenkirche.