Discover inspiring ideas and stories from around the world.
DÜSSELDORF talks directory
Daniel Smith: ’I am pleased with the work, but also dream to realise projects on a larger scale.’
The Theatermuseum, aka Pink Palace, is one of the most exciting venues in Düsseldorf for the young creative scene, with a particular emphasis on the crossover scene. An absolute new discovery is Daniel Smith, the Canadian choreographer, performer, and artistic leader of his company Dans Myth.
The world premiere of his creation ‘Sparkle Beats’ took place at the museum last week. The piece deals with impactful or traumatic childhood memories, but aims not only to show the dark side, but also to inspire people to rise to new heights.
Before setting up his own company Daniel Smith danced for several companies including more recently with Ballett am Rhein here in Düsseldorf. He now develops new dance pieces throughout Germany. He is currently working on showing his ‘Sparkle Beasts’ at other venues, but he will already be presenting his choreography in Düsseldorf this week this week at the Resurrection Rave Exult on Easter night. That dance performance follows a theater piece by his frequent collaborator Marvin Wittiber with whom he also worked with on Sparkle Beasts. An exclusive interview:
————-
18 April 2025
Jarosław Włodarczyk: “In the age of disinformation, we have the eyewitnesses, journalists who risk their lives.“
The war in Ukraine is more topical than ever. Negotiations are taking place in the political arena with daily headlines, but the war continues. The reporting and the terrible images of devastation have now become something almost commonplace. This exhibition should change that. ‘Eyes of War’ is the name of the international photo exhibition organised by the Polish Press Club, which shows photos by Polish war photographers, many of whom are international award-winning photographers. On its tour around the world, it also made a stop in Düsseldorf. Jarosław Włodarczyk, Secretary General of the International Association of Press Clubs and Polish publicist, and the multi-award-winning photographer Wojciech Grzędziński attended the opening in person at the Polish Institute.
When the Polish photographer and later curator of the exhibition, Eva Meissner, realised that Polish photographers were the largest group of photographers working in Ukraine, the Polish Press Club decided to put together this extensive exhibition. According to the exhibition organisers, the pictures are not intended to show typical war scenes, but to illustrate the ‘stupidity of war’. The texts were written by Polish journalist and author Magdalena Rigamonti. The exhibition can be seen at the Polish Press Club from now until 26 September 2025. The new director of the Polish Institute, Rafael Sobzcak, recently organised an event to celebrate Poland's EU presidency. This was another evening centred on Ukraine.
————-
31 März 2025
Dr. Bastian Fleermann: „Es hat vom ersten bis zum allerletzten Tag in Düsseldorf Widerstand sehr mutiger Männer und Frauen gegeben, aus sehr unterschiedlicher Richtung.“
Als der Zweite Weltkrieg 1945 endete, war dies eine Befreiung für Europa und auch für Deutschland. Heute ist Düsseldorf Heimat der drittgrössten Jüdischen gemeinde in Deutschland. Die Mahn-und Gedenkstätte, ein Museum, das sich der Darstellung dieser Zeit in Düsseldorf widmet, hat zum Gedenken ein aufwendiges monatelanges Programm initiiert. Herausgekommen ist das Programmheft, das mehr als 70 Veranstaltungen anbietet, von Theaterperformances, Vorträgen, Gedenkkonzerten bis hin zu Schulprojekten. Zudem zeigt das Museum ab dem 8. April die Ausstellung „Düsseldorf 1945. Überleben in der Stadt“. Ein grösserer Teil des Interviews ist den mutigen Männer und Frauen gewidmet, die sich in Düsseldorf zum Widerstand formiert haben. Dieser Widerstand begann schon mit der Machtübernahme 1933. Bekannt sind heute Namen wie Hermann Smeets, die in den letzten Kriegsstunden Kontakt zu den Amerikanern aufnahmen, als diese vor der Stadt standen. Durch ihre Kontaktaufnahme zu den Amerkanern, verhinderten sie weitere Bombardements, udn dass die Stadt ohne einen weiteren Schuss und Blutvergiessen an die Alliierten übergeben wurde. Dafür bezahlten manche dieser Widerständler mit ihrem Leben.
————-
17 Februar 2025
Continue reading in English
MORE DÜSSELDORF TALKS
Mischa Kuball, missing link_, Düsseldorf, 2023 (c) VG Bild-Kunst Bonn, 2022 Foto: Achim Kukulies
„Meine Arbeit steht für Toleranz, Aufklärung und ein interreligiöses Zusammenleben.“
