A performance by and with Maria Kalesnikava
“#freemaria” is a performance and reflection project by Maria Kalesnikava. The artist and democratic opposition politician from Belarus was released in December 2025 after serving a long prison sentence and was able to personally accept the International Charlemagne Prize of Aachen which was awarded to her in absentia in 2022.
Image gallery
Radialsystem
Maria Kalesnikava is developing this work at Radialsystem together with director Jochen Sandig, based on the events of 2020 and the subsequent years in Belarus. In an open stage space, the audience is invited to listen to Maria Kalesnikava.
At the heart of the performance are inner freedom, dignity, and responsibility for one’s own decisions. The project tells a story of steadfastness, of love for family and country, and of the power of the spirit—a power that can remain free even under external pressure. “#freemaria” combines Maria Kalesnikava’s personal experience with philosophical reflection. Music and art become the inner space of the soul—a place for thoughts, hope, and courage. Perhaps art does not save the world, but it can give people strength and bring salvation. Maria Kalesnikava wishes to share this insight with everyone.
Additional information
Dates
April 2026
| Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
| ||
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
