75 Years of Waldhof: Poetry Slam – Democracy – Word for Word

Poetry Slam: Democracy – Word for Word What does democracy mean today—in everyday life, in our interactions with one another, and in our minds? The poetry slam “Democracy – Word for Word” brings precisely these questions to the stage, making them audible, tangible, and open to discussion. Poetry slam is living literature: artists present texts they’ve written themselves that, in just a few minutes, move, provoke, make you laugh, or open up new perspectives. This evening is all about democratic values such as freedom of expression, diversity, participation, and responsibility. Personal experiences meet social observations, and subtle nuances meet clear statements. The contributions may be political, poetic, humorous, or thought-provoking—but they are always an expression of an open, diverse culture of debate. Because that is precisely what democracy is all about: different voices being heard. The audience is not just a group of listeners, but an active part of the evening. Through their applause, they help decide which texts are particularly compelling—and in doing so, experience democracy on a small scale, directly and immediately. An evening full of language, perspective, and connection—one that shows just how powerful words can be when they are conceived and shared together. Admission is free.

Course Leader: Hufnagel, Ansgar. Ansgar Hufnagel takes a step to the side so he doesn’t get in his own way or stand in his own path. If he senses headwinds, he turns around. Although there’s always something going on, he manages to hold the audience’s attention for more than 8 seconds. And not because his punchlines bubble out of him like a bottle of champagne that’s been shaken too hard—no, simply because he’s there. He’s come to stay and to show the world that a horseshoe nail can do more than just hold a horseshoe in place.