Oppenhoff. Mohren. Cohn

In the organizer's words:

Music theater piece about attitude and resistance by Florian Fischer and Kerstin Grübmeyer

with music by Malcolm Kemp

World premiere

From the mid-1930s, Aachen was a "gateway to freedom" through which people dared to flee persecution by the Nazi regime - across the green border to Belgium or Holland and from there out into the world. In Aachen, the fugitives found smuggling networks as well as some "silent heroes" who expected nothing in return for their help. Against the backdrop of this historical situation, "Oppenhof. Mohren. Cohn" tells a story of resistance, dissidence, despair and courage. Inspired by the lives of historical figures such as the former mayor of Aachen Franz Oppenhoff, the communist Josef Mohren and the resistance fighter Marianne Cohn, the play deals with the question of whether a young woman on the run can be helped, whether a work of art branded as "degenerate" can be saved from destruction and who shows solidarity with whom. Protest and partisan songs and new songs combine to form an overall musical concept; an exciting plot is combined with documentary material.

What motivates people to oppose and resist a violent regime? And how does solidarity transcend ideological boundaries and class differences? In times of a global shift to the right, dealing with anti-fascist resistance is highly topical - and a look into the past is necessary and productive. Theater Aachen is therefore tackling this topic with this new play, which also looks at the local history of the city during the Nazi regime.

"Oppenhoff. Mohren. Cohn" is a poetic-political reflection on resistance and what makes it possible and a contribution to the city's culture of remembrance.

#press reviews:

"'Oppenhoff. Mohren. Cohn' is a courageous, correct and important attempt by Theater Aachen on the old and new topic of fascism. With music by Malcolm Kemp."
Aachener Zeitung

"A feel for the right tone; 'Oppenhoff. Mohren. Cohn'"
Klenkes

"The musical theater piece 'Oppenhoff. Mohren. Cohn' emancipates itself from the traditional, breaks with conventional views without losing urgency. Worth seeing."
Klenkes

"The characters remain striking. And gain all the more emotionality through the use of music: theater musician Malcolm Kemp has reached deep into the formal repertoire of moritats and resistance songs, mixing these instructive, agitating forms of expression that literally jump out at the audience with lyrical, heartfelt songs."
Aachener Zeitung

"You don't see characters, you see people. Attitude and resistance come to life, as if you could reach for them, as if you could preserve them. The congenial music by Malcolm Kemp, who repeatedly demonstrates his keen sense for the right tone, is not just the icing on the cake, but an essential part of the production."

Klenkes