Three questions for... the young ensemble performing "Zeit für Zeug:innen" at Junges Schauspiel Frankfurt

Who talks about the past and why? What is told and what is left unsaid? The testimonies of Holocaust survivors are regarded as crucial to maintaining a vibrant awareness of history. The participatory exhibition Zeitzeugenschaft? Ein Erinnerungslabor [Witnesses to history? A laboratory of memory] at Frankfurt Historical Museum focuses on family histories, the experience of dictatorship, educational trajectories, political struggles, migration and how people deal with crises – and invites the youth theater group Junges Schauspiel to engage in an artistic exploration of these themes. In a multifaceted performance, a diverse ensemble demonstrates why the stories told by contemporary witnesses remain relevant today and why biographical accounts should continue to be shared.

Why are you taking part in the theater project Zeit für Zeug:innen?

Isabella Beebe: During the pandemic I developed a strange feeling that I can hardly describe – a sense of solitude perhaps comes closest. This performance project has given me the chance to get to know a diverse group of new people and form deeper connections. We’ve grown closer as an ensemble and I think that’s wonderful!

Yevheniia Posmetieva: The theme we address is something that really strikes a chord with me. I believe it’s an important part of history and mustn’t be forgotten.  The past can’t be undone: we have to accept it and study it so as to prevent mistakes like this occurring again.

What do you personally associate with being a contemporary witness?

Isabella Beebe: To put it simply, it’s about overcoming personal trauma. Contemporary witnesses have endured immense injustice and suffering, so as I see it, their testimony always involves pain to some extent. Experiencing discrimination and overcoming it – either on your own or with the help of others: that’s what being a contemporary witness is all about to me.

Abdul Noorzei: For me, being a contemporary witness means experiencing history at first hand, preserving vital insights, and taking on responsibility for the future.

Do you think it’s important for us here in Germany to undertake a critical examination of National Socialism? How do you prefer to do this? Through theater, films and series, books ...

Pia Ackfeld:I believe we have to learn lessons from history in the interests of a better future, and you can only do this by coming to grips with the issues. On a personal level, my grandparents always provided me with insights into the events of World War II, so my hope is that through our performance we’re able to offer other people a way of engaging with these themes as well.

Liam Belgorodski: Things that happened in the past such as National Socialism must never be repeated, so remembering them is extremely important. Since modern forms of communication are what people need in a modern era, I think performances, films and series seem to be the best way to do this.