Programme focus: Communities of Hope

«Zusammensein. Plädoyer für eine Gesellschaft der Gegenseitigkeit»
Hadija Haruna-Oelker

Hadija Haruna-Oelker’s book is a compassionate plea for a society in which everyone can live self-determined lives.

  • Thu 16/04 19:30 – 21:30

    Nordflügel

In her book, political scientist and journalist Hadija Haruna-Oelker analyses social divisions, anti-democratic movements and political developments that reinforce divisions. Copyright: Katarina Ivanisevic

Ten years ago, Hadija Haruna-Oelker became the mother of a disabled child. Since then, she has encountered barriers, a misunderstanding of inclusion, and a school system that prevents it. In her book, ‘Zusammensein’ (english: Being Together), the political scientist and journalist analyzes social divisions, anti-democratic movements, and political developments that reinforce separations. As an ally of her disabled son, Hadija Haruna-Oelker shows how we can learn from children, empower them, and support them when society fails to change for the better. In doing so, she questions patterns of thought and language from a Black, intersectional perspective.

The reading, as part of the Communities of Hope programme focus, compassionately asks questions of social justice: What would a society look like in which no one is excluded? Who decides on participation? And why is the exclusion of disabled people not overcome?

Schedule
7:30 pm Relaxed entrance
8:00 pm Reading (including a 15-minute break after max. 60 minutes)
9:30 pm End of the reading

Covid-safer event

All events in the programme focus Communities of Hope take place as Covid-safer events. Therefore, testing and masks are mandatory for this event. Tests and masks will be provided on site. You can find more information here.

Information on accessibility and language 

  • Stepless access

  • Language: in German spoken language

  • Translation into DSGS: The reading will be interpreted into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS) by Katia Pahud and Kristina Janković together with Tamara Bangerter.

  • Relaxed Event: Audience members are welcome to make noises, move, stim and leave the space and come back at any time.

  • Livestream: For those who cannot attend in person, the event will be streamed on Zoom. The link for the Zoom broadcast will be published here on the day of the event at the latest. Participation on Zoom is free of charge.

Gessnerallee programme focus 2025/26

From 9 to 18 April, the programme focus ‘Communities of Hope’ at Gessnerallee invites you to explore practices of solidarity and hopeful strategies for community building, and to celebrate queer aesthetics. All events will take place in a Covid-safer format.

«Belonging Space»
Stephanie Müller & Theres Indermaur
09/04 18/04
Installation, Resting space

«MASTEKTOMIE. Ein bittersüsses Abschiedslied»
CHICKS* freies performancekollektiv
09/04, 10/04
Performance

«Ich möchte nicht die perfekte Geschichte schreiben»
Mani Owzar
11/04
Reading

«Anouchka Gwen»
11/04
Concert

«Ich möchte nicht die perfekte Geschichte schreiben»-
Mani Owzar
12/04
Writing workshop

«Zusammensein. Plädoyer für eine Gesellschaft der Gegenseitigkeit»
Hadija Haruna-Oelker
16/04
Reading

«JUICE»
River Roux
17/04, 18/04
Performance

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Thu 26/03 20:00
OPEN STUDIO – Ein kollaboratives Theaterlabor für Inszenierung mit Klang«Until They Hear Black Voices»Fazil On YuPremiere followed by a snack and drink reception
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Fri 27/03 18:00
OPEN STUDIO – Ein kollaboratives Theaterlabor für Inszenierung mit Klang«Until They Hear Black Voices»Fazil On Yu
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