Name: Ingeborg Bachmann's Reckoning with Fascism
Start: 2026-06-24T20:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-06-24T21:30:00+02:00
Location: Dokumentationsstätte Gelsenkirchen im Nationalsozialismus

A literary evening about Ingeborg Bachmann's sharp view on violence and language

On June 24, 2026, the Documentation Center Gelsenkirchen in National Socialism focuses on one of the most important voices in German literature: Ingeborg Bachmann. The illustrated lecture by Dr. Jürgen Nelles from Bonn guides through central works and life stages of the author, connecting literary history with a precise examination of fascism, memory, and linguistic responsibility. Admission is free.

Between poetry, prose, and social critique

Ingeborg Bachmann is one of the influential female authors of post-war literature. Her texts revolve around war experience, power structures, vulnerability, and the fragile truthfulness of language. Those who listen on this evening will encounter not only a biography but a literary stance: the resolute attempt to depict reality not in a sugar-coated manner but to make it visible in its historical harshness.

A lecture with rich visuals related to the history of the work

Dr. Jürgen Nelles follows the traces of Bachmann's life and work, focusing on her most important writings. The event is designed as an illustrated lecture and promises a quiet, focused reading atmosphere where analysis and cultural discourse come together. This approach opens a clear view of the literary quality of an author whose language resonates to this day.

A place of historical precision

The Documentation Center Gelsenkirchen in National Socialism provides a contextually fitting framework for this lecture. The place stands for memory culture, historical education, and engagement with the Nazi past. Visiting the Documentation Center and participating in events are free of charge. The institution is located in Gelsenkirchen-Erle at Cranger Straße 323 and is part of the Institute for City History.

Conclusion: An evening for literature lovers and those interested in history

This lecture impressively connects literature, memory, and political education. Anyone wishing to rediscover Ingeborg Bachmann or deepen her texts in the historical context will experience a demanding yet accessible evening. A visit is worthwhile for all who wish to not only read literature but understand it in its societal power.