berben Reflects on Hope, Loss, and German-Israeli Ties Through Music and Literature

Actress Iris Berben will⁣ participate in the‍ Bayer Kultur start festival on May 4, 2025, where music from Dmitri Shostakovich’s ⁣song cycle “From Jewish Folk Poetry” will be featured. Berben shared ⁢her reflections on the themes of Jewish music and the current ⁣state of German-Israeli relations in a recent interview.

Shostakovich’s “Smile through Tears”

Berben connected deeply with shostakovich’s description of ⁣Jewish music as a “smile through tears.” She elaborated, “His music possesses a powerful connection because it embodies both profound sadness and a sense of ease. It’s challenging to convey how grief and pain can be intertwined with a gentle ⁣lightness. in filmmaking, a recurring question is whether to approach a serious topic with gravity or to convey it with a sense of lightness. I beleive the latter is often a more effective way ⁣to reach people. For ⁢me, Shostakovich truly mediates feelings through ⁢both strength and tenderness.”

Bridging Through Art: Music, Literature, and Empathy

The May 4th event will also feature readings from “At the Same Time” by Sasha Marianna Salzmann ⁣and Ofer Waldman. Berben emphasized the synergy between music and literature. “Based on the music and these texts, we aim to build a bridge that encourages people to create context and engage in empathy, moving beyond judgment or evaluation. This approach allows us to connect with the human experience through pain, grief, and despair.”

“At the Same time”: A ⁤Reader’s Perspective

salzmann and Waldman’s “At the Same Time” documents their correspondence following the events of Oct. 7, 2023. Reflecting on the book,Berben said,”This text made me feel entirely present with the person and within the situation – as close as possible. The feeling is incredibly strong. There is little consolation offered, but rather a mutual sharing of thoughts, ⁤disturbances, fears,⁢ and observations.The underlying question is: What can be the answer? This resonates with many of us who long for ⁣peace, feeling lost and bewildered.”

Berben, who has had ties to Israel since the 1960s, added, “I’ve listened to countless discussions and conversations about creating a path ⁢forward. There were always moments ⁣when hope seemed within reach, frequently‍ enough linked to⁢ different political developments. Hopelessness persists. A key line from the book resonates deeply: ‘I don’t know what I can do, but I see you, I listen to you, I am there.’ I believe this sentiment reflects many people’s feelings, as we grapple with what answers we can offer beyond calls for peace.I recently read a very moving text in Leipzig.”

Chaja Polak’s “Letter at Night”

Berben identified the text read in Leipzig as Chaja Polak’s “Letter at Night,” describing it as “an essay, very personal, with intimate descriptions of thoughts, confusion, and hope. Many writers express these personal feelings. While reading,⁣ I often thought: This is exactly the question I ask myself. This is exactly the anger I feel. This is exactly the despair that is ⁣present. It is helplessness. So much surrounds us when we engage with these direct, personal texts. The combination of⁣ texts and music can offer people an prospect to find their own access. Culture provides this possibility.”

She continued, “The impact on writers⁢ after Oct. 7, 2023, is evident. I held the eulogy for David Grossman in December 2024 and was‍ struck by the sight of him,a‍ man dedicated to peace for decades,now questioning: Is what we say,what we demand,what we want to negotiate actually useful?”

Reflections on 1960s Israel

Asked about her experiences in Israel during the 1960s,Berben recalled,”Those were years ⁣of hope. As a German,it was a unique experience,wondering how I would be received in Israel,given the past burden. Especially in the 1960s, with many⁣ holocaust survivors still present. ⁤It was a time of new beginnings and a positive atmosphere. I remember thinking: How is it possible that so many nations are ⁤combined in this small piece of land,thrown together and living there? This hope,I felt,was fueled by the ‍idealism of many young people. I ⁤have maintained ties⁢ to the country over the years, and my research fund at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem regularly brings me back⁣ to the university.”

German-Israeli Friendship: A Personal Perspective

Regarding German-Israeli friendship 60 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, berben noted a shift. “The perspective I sense has been tinged with a certain sadness in the past year and a half. Israel was always a place of longing. I perceive a kind⁤ of backward movement. While the friendship remains strong among those with⁢ a ‍solid understanding of history, prejudices are noticeable among many young people. Some struggle to separate the political situation ⁢from the people, and losing that connection is always concerning. Though,among my closest friends,including those I’ve taken to Israel,the longing to return remains strong. I learned so much from Israel and its people. In Israel, I gained a deeper understanding of history then any school ‍could ⁢have conveyed – certainly more than I received in the 1960s. In this respect, my love for Israel is‍ profound. And you ⁤protect what you love – but you also argue with it.”

Iris Berben on Hope,Loss,and German-Israeli Ties: A Conversation Through Art

Actress Iris Berben,renowned for her⁤ work in film and television,is set to participate in the Bayer Kultur start festival⁣ on May 4,2025. This event will feature music from Dmitri Shostakovich’s song cycle⁣ “From Jewish Folk Poetry.” In a recent interview, Berben shared ‍her profound reflections on the themes of Jewish music, the current state of German-Israeli relations, and the power of art to bridge divides.this Q&A delves into her insights.

Q&A: Exploring the Intersection ⁤of⁢ Music,Literature,and Human Connection

Q: What initially drew you to the music⁤ of Dmitri Shostakovich,especially his “From Jewish Folk Poetry”?

A: I was instantly captivated by his ability to capture the essence of⁤ Jewish music,which he described as a ⁢”smile through tears.” This duality—the simultaneous presence of⁢ profound ⁢sadness ‍and a sense of ease—is incredibly compelling. ⁢It speaks to the resilience and depth of the human experience.

Q: ⁢Can you elaborate⁢ on what you mean by⁤ “smile through tears” and how Shostakovich achieves this in his music?

A: It’s about the ‍ability ⁢to⁢ find beauty, even in the face of immense suffering. Shostakovich’s music resonates as it acknowledges the pain but also suggests a quiet strength, a refusal to be wholly⁣ consumed by despair. There’s always a glimmer of hope, a subtle lightness ⁤woven into the more somber melodies.This is crucial now, it’s like a⁣ method of survival.

Q: Why do you believe ⁢this ⁢”smile ⁣through tears” approach is ‍particularly resonant in today’s world, especially when addressing difficult subjects like grief and loss?

A: In filmmaking, a recurring question is whether to approach a serious⁢ topic with gravity or to convey⁤ it with a sense of ⁤lightness. I believe it’s often more effective, and ‍often ‍more important, to use lightness. Shostakovich truly ⁤mediates feelings through both strength and tenderness. This approach allows us to connect with the human experience through pain, grief, and despair.It allows listeners to feel, to process, without being overwhelmed. It offers a path to empathy, where we can acknowledge our shared vulnerability.

Q: How does the upcoming event at the Bayer kultur festival aim to build bridges through art, specifically through the combination of music and literature?

A: The May 4th event will also feature readings from ‍”At the Same Time” by Sasha Marianna Salzmann and Ofer Waldman. Based⁣ on the music ⁤and these texts, we aim to encourage people to create context‍ and engage in empathy, moving beyond judgment or evaluation. ⁤The goal is to connect with the human experience. The synergy between Shostakovich’s music and the powerful words of these authors creates a space ‍for⁤ reflection and understanding.

Q: Can you share your perspective on the book “At the Same Time” by Salzmann and waldman, and its importance in the context of the current events?

A: “At the Same Time” documents the ⁢correspondence⁤ between Salzmann and Waldman following ⁢the events of October 7, 2023. This ⁣book has a very⁤ special ⁤effect,⁤ it pulls you in. It helps you ⁣feel‍ completely⁤ present with the person and within‍ the situation⁢ – as close as⁢ possible.It’s incredibly strong.There is little consolation offered,but a mutual sharing ⁢of thoughts,disturbances,fears,and observations.The⁤ underlying question is: What can be the answer? This resonates with many of us who long for peace, feeling lost and bewildered. It reflects the need to bear witness, to be present, to offer support without necessarily having all the answers.

Q: You’ve had ⁣ties to ⁣israel since the 1960s. how has your perspective on the region and ⁢its people evolved ⁢over⁤ the years?

A: Those where years of hope. As a German, it was a unique experience wondering how I would⁣ be received in israel, given the past burden. Especially‍ in the 1960s, with many holocaust survivors still present. It was a time of new beginnings and a ‍positive atmosphere. I remember thinking: How is⁢ it ⁣possible that so⁤ many nations are combined in this⁢ small piece of land, thrown together and living there? This hope, I felt, was fueled by the idealism of many young people. I have maintained ties to the contry over the years, and my research fund⁢ at the Hebrew⁢ University in Jerusalem regularly brings me back to the university.

A key line from the book ⁣resonates deeply: “‘I don’t ⁤know what I can do, but I see you,⁤ I listen to you, I am there.'”

Q: You mentioned recently reading Chaja Polak’s “Letter at Night.” What resonated with you in this essay?

A: I identified the text read in Leipzig as Chaja Polak’s “Letter at Night,” describing it as “an essay,very personal,with intimate descriptions of thoughts,confusion,and hope. many writers express these ‍personal feelings. While reading,⁣⁣ I frequently⁤ enough thought: This is exactly the question I ask ⁣myself. This is exactly the‍ anger I feel. this is exactly the despair ⁢that is ⁣present. It is helplessness.‍ So much surrounds us ‍when we engage with these direct, personal texts. The combination of⁣ texts‍ and music ⁣can offer people an prospect to find their ‍own access. Culture provides this possibility.”

Q: How has the impact on writers been evident after Oct.⁤ 7, 2023?

A: The impact on⁤ writers after Oct.7, 2023, is evident. I held the eulogy for David Grossman in December 2024 and was struck by the sight of him,a‍ man dedicated to peace⁢ for decades,now questioning: Is what we say,what we demand,what we want to negotiate actually useful?

Q: Considering the 60th anniversary of German-Israeli diplomatic relations,how has your perspective on the friendship between the two nations ⁤changed over time?

A: The perspective I sense has been tinged with a certain sadness in the past year and a half. Israel was always a ⁣place of longing. I perceive a kind⁤ of backward movement. While the friendship remains strong among those with⁢‍ a ‍solid understanding of history, prejudices are noticeable among many young people. Some struggle to separate the political situation ⁢from the ⁣people, and losing that connection is always concerning. though,among my closest ⁣friends,including those I’ve taken to Israel,the longing to return remains strong. I learned so ⁤much from Israel and its people. in Israel, I gained a deeper understanding⁣ of history then any school ‍could ⁢have conveyed ⁣–⁢ certainly more then I received in the 1960s. In this‍ respect, my⁤ love for Israel is profound. and you ⁤protect⁢ what you ‍love⁤ – but you also argue with it. The longing to return remains strong.

It is important to maintain the connection between history and people; not to ‍lose the ability to reflect and ask questions.

Key Takeaways

• Art, particularly music and literature, can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding in challenging times.
• The “smile through tears” concept reflects the ⁤human capacity to find‍ beauty and ⁢hope even in the face of tragedy.
• German-Israeli relations, while historically strong, are facing new⁣ challenges in bridging the divide ⁣between people.
• Individual stories and personal experiences, like those offered in texts like “At the Same Time” and “Letter at Night,” can provide profound insights and ⁢avenues for connection.

About Iris Berben

Iris Berben is a highly⁢ acclaimed German actress known for her extensive work⁣ on stage and screen. Her commitment to social and political issues, coupled with ⁤her artistic talents, has ⁢made her a⁤ respected figure both in Germany and ⁢internationally. She is also the founder of the research fund at ⁢the hebrew University in Jerusalem.

About the Bayer ⁣Kultur Start⁤ Festival

The Bayer Kultur ‍start festival is an annual cultural event that showcases a diverse array of artistic performances,including music,literature,theater,and more. It celebrates the ⁤power of art to bring people together and explore‍ important themes of human ⁣experience.

This article is based on⁢ an interview ‍with Iris Berben.The views expressed are those of the⁢ interviewee.