Resistance fighter Hannie Schaft commemorated in theater Philharmonie: “I got goosebumps”

Mpho Tutu van Furth, daughter of human rights activist Desmond Tutu, who died last year, was responsible for this year’s Hannie Schaft lecture. In it she mainly wanted to encourage the public to have the same courage as Hannie Schaft. “We too can show courage by asking questions,” she said. “By saying ‘no’ and by thinking about the impact our choices have on the world.” The speech struck a chord with at least one of the spectators. “What a speech, hats off,” said one of those present. “I had goosebumps.”

Translation to youth

In addition to the lecture, there was a lot of theater play and singing during the commemoration, performed by young actors and actresses. Theater maker Brigitte Odett mainly wanted to build a bridge to young people with this approach.

“It is very important to me that the performance translates what happened to Hannie Schaft into the present,” explains Odett. “And that the situation back then was different from now. Where you used to go underground, you now have to try to get things done above ground.”

Several young spectators appreciated this approach to the commemoration. “I really enjoyed watching it, very inspiring,” says a young man. “I think a lot of kids are starting to think about things now.”

Another youthful viewer agrees. “I think it’s great that Hannie was afraid on the one hand, but then resisted,” he says. When asked if he would do the same in her situation, the boy nods. “I was going to help my friends too.”