“I would have wished for somewhat greater rhetorical finesse, more verbal wit,
more direct address, and less blunt denunciation—
less relentless verbal assault on Hitler himself.”
With the original text of Thomas Mann's radio broadcast,
read by Sandra Hüller.
- Thomas Mann's Radio Address from February 1941
00:00 Min.
Historical classification
00:22 Min.
Beginning of the speech, read by Sandra Hüller
05:50 Min.
Introduction to Feridun Zaimoglu
06:30 Min.
Commentary by Feridun Zaimoglu
About Feridun Zaimoglu
Feridun Zaimoglu is a writer and visual artist of Turkish origin. Since his debut *Kanak Sprak,* he has been regarded as a major voice in German migration literature.
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.