Art against forgetting: VOICES” sheds light on the Nazi euthanasia murders

Art against forgetting: VOICES” sheds light on the Nazi euthanasia murders

On March 14, 2025, a haunting performance entitled “STIMMEN” will be performed at the M26 in Regensburg’s old town. This event focuses on the National Socialist “euthanasia” murders and is organized by around 25 young performers between the ages of 12 and 26 who want to give the victims a voice. The performance is the result of a collaboration between the Blickwechsel theater workshop from Munich/Haar and the M26 in the city of Regensburg, supported by the Upper Bavaria district. The performance starts at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Those interested are asked to contact us by email zentrum-erinnerungskultur@ur.de to register.

The production provides insights into the life stages of victims of National Socialism and deals with mechanisms of stigmatization, adaptation and conformity - in both historical and contemporary society. The collective idea of ​​“we” plays a central role in deepening the understanding of these tragic events. The performance is carried out as part of the International Weeks Against Racism, which is coordinated by the Integration Advisory Board of the city of Regensburg.

Background and culture of remembrance

“VOICES” is based on the publication “Displaced – The Memory of the National Socialist ‘Euthanasia’ Murders,” published in June 2023 and published by the Center for Remembrance Culture. The focus of this publication is on the marginalization of mentally ill and disabled people who were persecuted and murdered under the Nazi regime. The publication was realized as part of the ZE project “Remembering the Nazi Murder” and serves to intensify the work of remembrance as the time distance from the crimes of National Socialism grows. It examines the history of reception and deals with ethical questions that are still important today.

What is particularly noteworthy is that the presentation of “STIMMEN” not only follows an artistic approach, but also serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas and discussions in the context of Nazi “euthanasia”. This will be complemented by additional events, including several book launches and panel events at various locations, raising awareness of the issue.

Further networking and initiatives

The launch event in March is part of a series of events organized in the context of the book to highlight the crimes of Nazi murder. Other book presentations have already taken place in various cities, including the Pathos Theater in Munich and the Hartheim Castle learning and memorial site. These diverse initiatives are supported by organizations such as the Amadeu Antonio Foundation and the Haar Community Foundation. In addition, a special edition will appear in the series of publications by the Federal Agency for Civic Education in March 2025.

The event in the M26 is barrier-free and accessible by wheelchair, which promotes the inclusion of all interested parties. For further information, please contact Felix Bruckner from the Center for Remembrance Culture at the telephone number +49 (0)941 943-7645 or by email felix.bruckner@ur.de.