Brasch on East–West ties Calls for empathy and talks

Oct 3

In Jessy Wellmer's complete interview recorded earlier that evening, theatre director Lena Brasch describes her East Berlin upbringing through her parents, teachers and 1990s Prenzlauer Berg. Initially puzzled by being included in Die Zeit's list of important young East Germans, she now sees many listed peers as voices of the post-reunification generation. She engages with identity and history through curiosity and her work. Comparing East and West to a separated couple trying again, she urges listening, empathy and attention to each other's needs rather than accusations. She understands many frustrations after reunification but warns they can radicalize into right-wing violence. Asked whether differences and prejudice will fade, she distinguishes difficulty feeling optimistic from her continuing hope and repeats the need for understanding and tenderness.

In her October 3 Tagesthemen interview, Lena Brasch calls for renewed East–West dialogue built on listening, empathy and mutual understanding. She describes her post-reunification East Berlin identity as a subject of curiosity and artistic work. She understands many frustrations after the upheaval but warns that frustration can radicalize into right-wing violence. She remains hopeful while distinguishing hope from easy optimism. This is her public assessment and appeal, rather than a measured trend or election outcome.