Passionsspiele der Demokratie

In the organizer's words:

How can democracy be made tangible on stage? What does it mean today to identify with its history - beyond words, with bodies, sounds and scenes? The Passion Play of Democracy is dedicated to precisely these questions over three days in May 2025.

The focus is on Frankfurt's Paulskirche: the site of the first National Assembly in 1848 - today the stage for a polyphonic theatrical event. Historical scenes, performative formats and music combine the past, present and future of democracy to create a sensory play.

Director Maxime Mourot and artistic director Peter Michalzik have jointly developed a format that combines theater, history and society - open, inviting and profound.

The cast includes Constanze Becker, Wolfram Koch and Michael Quast, three outstanding voices of German-language theater, accompanied by other performers. Musician and composer Philipp Koelges brings revolutionary songs into new sonic forms with his band and choir. At the end, Johanna Summer improvises on the piano about what she has heard and seen.

A central element is the "Public Goods Game", a participatory game based on a social science experiment that makes social responsibility and solidarity tangible. It accompanies visitors throughout the day - starting at 2:30 pm, including games, breaks, food and space for exchange.

Concert: JJJJOYS - May 17 at the Naxoshalle

There will be no theater day on May 17 - instead, the concert "JJJJOYS" invites you to the Naxos production house. Four outstanding musicians will be performing on stage: Jouana Dahdouh, Joyce Nuhill, Julianna Townsend and Johanna Summer. Sometimes solo, sometimes together, personal stories merge with political attitudes to create an evening of soul, jazz, R&B and improvisation.

A temporary democracy center will also be created in the Naxoshalle - a place to linger, reflect and discuss. A festive procession through the city will also start from here before the performances in St. Paul's Church.