SCHWEIGEN – Ein Chorstück

In the organizer's words:

That's the point

"When we speak, we are afraid that our words will not be heard or welcomed. But if we remain silent, we remain afraid. So it is better to speak," wrote Audre Lorde. But why do we often choose silence? Silence can be a protective space, but there are moments when it makes us invisible. "SCHWEIGEN - ein Chorstück" is a performance about solidarity as active cohesion through raising our voices together. For the first time, inmates from the women's* prisons in Cologne and Willich are working together on a performance.

That's why you have to go in

Because silence needs our voices - with movement, voice and conscious silence, a polyphonic choir is created about dignity, joie de vivre and shame that lies on the wrong side. It's about daughters, sisters, mothers and the power of loving each other in solidarity. Under the direction of Eli Pleß and the musical direction of Lilian Laval, the stage is transformed into a place of self-empowerment. In line with LasTesis ' slogan "What happens to one happens to us all", the audience is invited not only to question the collective silence, but to break it together.

Information

Admission / check-in on 13.05.2026: 16:00-16:45

Special features in the JVA

By purchasing a ticket, you agree that a security check will be made in the Federal Central Register.

A valid identity card or passport is required for admission to the prison. Admission to the prison is only permitted from the age of 16 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Data check in advance:

For the visit to the prison, we are obliged to request personal data from all guests (first name and surname, date and place of birth, current registration address). We have to pass this data on to the Cologne Ossendorf Prison for personal checks. All personal data will be treated confidentially!

The general data check is the reason why advance booking for these events ends on 26.04.2026.

Admission and control on site:

At the entrance to the JVA, all guests will have their valid ID card (or passport) checked and exchanged for a visitor:inside ID card for the duration of their stay. As admission will take some time, we ask everyone to arrive early.

Electronic devices, handbags and rucksacks cannot be taken into the prison. We therefore ask you to leave them at home / in your car.

Drinks will be offered for sale in the event hall of Cologne Prison. Here you can only pay with cash , which you are allowed to carry individually at check-in.

Trigger warning

The play deals with violence against women.

Information on accessibility

Spoken language: German
Duration: approx. 90 minutes

On May 13, the performance will be translated into German Sign Language (DGS) and Easy Language and accompanied by an audio description.

The various support requirements can be specified when purchasing tickets. This allows us to be well prepared.

The route to the event hall involves a few steps and stairs (including a spiral staircase). The hall is therefore not accessible for wheelchair users and has limited access for people with walking disabilities. There is no barrier-free toilet.

If you have any concerns or questions about accessibility, please contact Iris (iris.haist@sommerblut.de).