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Lecture: Andreas Barth - Karl May: Unwanted at Home

Karl May was considered ideologically dangerous in the GDR, yet May's heroes won the hearts of readers - his stories circulated secretly, were borrowed by friends and became symbols of freedom, adventure and justice.
[Translate to Englisch:] mymay.art

Date & Time

Location

Chomutov, Czech Republic
Labuť House, 3rd floor, Ruská 17, Chomutov, Czech Republic
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entrance free, registration required

Karl May, the creator of the timeless stories about Winnetou and Old Shatterhand, was considered ideologically dangerous in the GDR. Andreas Barth, who grew up in Saxony in the 1950s and 1960s, remembers that May's books were not available in libraries and bookshops. Nevertheless, May's heroes captured the hearts of readers - his stories circulated secretly, were borrowed by friends and became symbols of freedom, adventure and justice.

Topics of the lecture are:

  • How the communist censors dealt with Karl May's works and why he was labelled an unfit author.
  • How May's popularity spread despite bans and ideological oppression.
  • Why May's ideals of justice, tolerance and understanding posed a threat to the ideology of the GDR.
  • Personal stories by Andreas Barth about the secret and determined discovery of May's works.

Language: Lecture in English, translated into Czech by Michal Foit

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Organizer

Ženský spolek z.s., Redpond.cz, mymay.art, Silverbüchse e.V.

Program field

Barrierefreiheit

Gender-neutral toilet

The toilet is not defined according to "men/women".

Sensitive environment

The environment is non-discriminatory thanks to sensitised staff.

Easy Language

The event information is also available in easy language.

simple language
Barrier-free travel by public transport

Travelling to the venue is barrier-free using public transport.

Barrier-free parking spaces available

Marked parking spaces are available near the entrance.

Accessible by wheelchair

No stairs can be expected, a ramp is available if necessary.

Accessible website

Digital information pages are compatible with screen readers and easy to use for blind users.

No stroboscopic effects

No stroboscopic effects are used.

Assistance dog welcome

It is possible to bring an assistance dog.

Accompanying person free

Holders of a disabled person's pass can bring one accompanying person free of charge.

Try Walking in May Shoes

More information

European Capital of Culture The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media Free State of Saxony European Capital of Culture

This project is cofinanced by tax funds on the basis of the parliamentary budget of the state of Saxony and by federal funds from the Beauftragte der Bundesregierung für Kultur und Medien (Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media), as well as funds from the City of Chemnitz.