Crash of the Utopias

What has become of the era of utopian awakening in Latin America and elsewhere? Who still believes in the power of utopias to create a new world? A look at current political developments in Chile and Nicaragua, among others, is sobering. Even in Germany, 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the long-term consequences of the failed utopias of East and West are becoming apparent. A reason to examine the nature of political utopias, the specific conditions under which they came about and the effects of their disintegration.

At the invitation of Akademie President Jeanine Meerapfel, members of the Literature Section will enter into a dialogue with writers from Latin America. Gabriela Massuh (Argentina) will give the introductory lecture on Latin American utopias. This will be followed by conversations between Uwe Timm and Sergio Ramírez (Nicaragua), Aleš Šteger and Alberto Barrera Tyszka (Venezuela), a current statement from Chile, as well as a discussion on East German utopias with Akademie members. Readings and film screenings in various rooms provide further insights. Followed by live Latin American music.

In cooperation with the Ibero-American Institute – Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation