Claudia Wenzel: Reading about the Stasi, East-West conflicts and hope!

Claudia Wenzel: Reading about the Stasi, East-West conflicts and hope!

The actress and best-selling author Claudia Wenzel invites you to a reading in Radebeul on Friday, November 7th, where she will read from her highly acclaimed work “My heart could not be divided”. In her book, which deals with the East-West conflicts and experiences with the Stasi, Wenzel not only conveys personal impressions, but also comments on social cohesion in Germany after reunification. The 66-year-old, who is known to many from the series “In All Friendship,” reports on her experiences and insights in advance of the reading.

“It cannot be the case that we have to continue to discuss East and West,” says Wenzel. This hits a nerve, because more than 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the differences between East and West are still noticeable. Loud Böll Foundation Surveys show that interest in democratic participation is lower in the East and trust in the Basic Law is weaker among people with East German socialization. In her reading, Wenzel would like to show that these topics are still of great importance.

Remembrance of reunification

Wenzel describes the reunion as one of the most beautiful days of her life. Nevertheless, it makes clear that the unification of two fundamentally different systems also brought with it challenges. “The transformation has caused lasting problems to this day,” she is convinced. For example, a large part of the East German population has left the region since 1990, which has led to social and cultural disruptions. Historian Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk speaks of a “transformational overload” that is still noticeable today.

Wenzel also sees the need to talk about positive narratives of transformation. This corresponds to Kowalczuk's call, who criticizes the prevailing “wretched narrative” and highlights the successes of medium-sized companies in East Germany. According to a panel discussion that took place on October 9th, urban-rural differences and generational affiliation are also crucial for the perception of the change and its consequences.

Call for political education

In view of these challenges, city councilor Paul Löser also calls for the creation of better opportunities for young people for self-efficacy and political education. These demands are important not only to raise awareness of one's own history, but also to strengthen identification with the Basic Law. Wenzel and her reading are part of this important discussion that should also include younger generations.

The evening promises not only a literary experience, but also an opportunity for everyone to deal with current social issues. The interest in Wenzel's book clearly shows that many people are still interested in coming to terms with the division of Germany and the challenges associated with it. The author has definitely demonstrated a good knack for social relevance.