Youthful German writers embark on an American cultural journey
The Goethe-Institut USA is embarking on an exciting new initiative, the "Among Friends - Unter Freunden" campaign, which aims to foster meaningful dialogue between Germany and the United States.
Under the guidance of curator and project manager Tatjana Brode, the project will feature the talents of young authors Sonali Beher and Iven Yorick Fenker. These literary stars will journey through various states, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and ending in Houston, Texas.
Both authors have impressive backgrounds. Sonali Beher, originally from Giessen, is a versatile writer, penning prose, essays, poetry, and plays, while also engaging in political activism. Iven Yorick Fenker, a German journalist and filmmaker who now resides in Berlin, draws inspiration from the landscape of his hometown in the Harz region.
The program commences with a four-week reading tour by Fenker and Beher across the US. Klaus Krischok, the Goethe-Institut's Regional Director for North America, is thrilled about the initiative, stating that it is reaching new audiences that had little contact with Germany before. He believes that this campaign will help bridge the cultural gap between the two nations.
The authors will be appearing in various locations, such as a pizzeria in Washington and a huge antique bookshop in a former barn in West Chester, Pennsylvania. They will also be publishing their own work, joint texts, and videos during their trip on the Goethe-Institut's website.
Tatjana Brode, overseeing the project, expresses her excitement about seeing how a new generation views the relationship between the US and Germany. Sonali Beher, too, is curious to see how much the US has changed during President Trump's second term.
As the tour reaches its conclusion on October 7 in Houston, a new Goethe-Institut is scheduled to open, making it the seventh in the US. The project is being conducted under the patronage of writer Ulrike Draesner, adding an extra layer of literary prestige to the campaign.
This initiative is a significant step towards strengthening the bond between Germany and the United States, encouraging dialogue, and fostering cultural exchange. Stay tuned for updates on the "Among Friends - Unter Freunden" campaign!
