Light tree tells: Children discover secrets of the past

Light tree tells: Children discover secrets of the past

On April 11, 2025, the piece "Construct for Puppet" by A.I. Presented. This event not only promises entertainment, but also a profound examination of the topics of memory and biography and works with music of greats like Ludwig Hirsch, Georg Kreisler and Nina Simone.

The plot unfolds in a West German village of the 90s. Here the children meet Ann and others in a cemetery, where they discover a secret place behind the cemetery wall where the nameless ones were buried. This discovery and encounters on the mysterious light tree Pana-O-Keng, which remembers the stories of the deceased, form the core of the story. Together, the children gather on the light tree every day and hear its moving stories.

a performative examination

Hilfrich's biographical fiction is a creative combination of reality and fiction, which includes both body, voice and multimedia elements such as video and screen. Directed by Christina Böckler, while Hilfich himself takes over the performance, puppet show and singing. He is accompanied on the Keyboard by Semi Zekirov. The characters include Ann, Ander, Ander, Pana-O-Keng and various dolls that visually underline the emotions and stories of the piece.

The piece not only reflects childhood in the country, but also offers a mood in Germany in the 1990s. These performative elements make memory a central part of life that is transported through personal and collective stories. Memory is understood here both as an individual and as a common concern that must be preserved.

memory culture in context

While “construct for doll” deals with the insight into personal history, the broader German culture of remembrance is also important. An example of the commitment in this regard is the International Memorial Day for the victims of the Holocaust on January 27, 2025, which is characterized by silent memorial events at the monument of the murdered Jews in Europe. This monument, inaugurated in May 2005, is part of a comprehensive memory that also includes other groups that have suffered from National Socialism.

The examination of German history remains a challenge due to the growing distance from the events. At the same time, politics emphasizes the need to actively shape the culture of memory. Memorials should become places of experience, knowledge and commemoration in order to promote encounter with one's own history. These activities are not only important to cope with the past, but also to condemn from it and disregard human rights.

This is reinforced by the memory work, which is associated with the integration of refugees in Germany. The awareness that the culture of remembrance must be adaptable and visible in order to develop effect is becoming increasingly important.

"construct for doll" is not only in the context of a theater performance, but also integrates these burning social issues in an innovative way. Highly issued questions about memory and formation of identity are also firmly anchored in the discussions about the future of the culture of remembrance.

The reflection on tragic and formative historical events that affect all of us remains a central concern that must be passed on to future generations in order to promote an attentive and responsible society.