“Where language is lost,
democracy and peace also die.”
With the original text of Thomas Mann's radio broadcast,
read by Sandra Hüller.
- Thomas Mann's Radio Address from July 27, 1943
00:00 Min.
Historical classification
01:33 Min.
Beginning of the speech, read by Sandra Hüller
07:00 Min.
Introduction to Düzen Tekkal
07:47 Min.
Commentary by Düzen Tekkal
About Düzen Tekkal
Düzen Tekkal is an author, television journalist, and filmmaker of Yazidi-Kurdish origin who became known for her work on human rights and integration and her documentaries.
About the Project
“Hell, Germans, has come upon you.” Thomas Mann’s message in his radio addresses to the German people—recorded by himself and broadcast by the BBC between 1940 and 1945—was always clear, unyielding, and uncompromising. So too was his mission: the total of 58 addresses constitute a unique document of resistance against the National Socialist regime of terror and a resolute plea for humanism and democratic renewal. They were also a failed wake-up call to a country that had surrendered itself to delusion and to complete destruction.
On the occasion of Thomas Mann’s 150th birthday, the BBC radio addresses were newly recorded by actress Sandra Hüller. Thirteen outstanding contemporary voices from politics, academia, and culture comment on them, enter into dialogue with Mann’s texts, and discuss their relevance today.