Overview
- Several performers have withdrawn from the 2025 Hannah-Arendt-Woche evening program, putting the planned opening and closing events in doubt.
- The pullouts follow reports that publisher Michel Friedman’s invitation for a future edition was rescinded after pressure from the mayor and city representatives.
- Actress Susanne Schwan, musician Simon Bellett, and actor Moritz Stoepel signed a joint statement announcing their withdrawals.
- The cancellations affect events at the Literaturhaus Uwe Johnson, including an opening reading by Stoepel on peace and a Nov. 14 closing by Schwan featuring poems by Selma Meerbaum.
- Regional outlets LN and Ostsee-Zeitung first reported the case, which has since drawn nationwide attention, as coverage also mentions the reported dismissal of director Oliver Hintz.