Reading Series in Brandenburg: Cornelia Jentzsch Discusses Her Country Grammar Event
In the heart of the Brandenburg region, nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Uckermark, lies the quaint village of Warnitz. Here, the Gasthof Deutsche Eiche, known for its Bouletten, homebrewed beer, and traditional schnitzel, plays host to one of Berlin-Brandenburg's most intriguing literary event series, the Warnitzer Lesungen.
The brainchild of literary critic Cornelia Jentzsch, the Warnitzer Lesungen was established with a simple yet ambitious goal: to bring quality authors to the region and provide a regular offering of ambitious art and culture. Jentzsch, who splits her time between Berlin and the Uckermark, found inspiration in the village's sense of community and social responsibility, a stark contrast to the anonymity of city life.
Originally, the events featured just readings without discussions, but over time, they evolved to include more interactive elements as audience interest grew. Today, the series continues to showcase notable authors, fostering engagement between writers and the local community.
Jentzsch believes in trusting her curiosity and finding out what the people in the region want to know. She values poetry for its precision and critical engagement with language, seeing it as a tool for understanding society and challenging manipulative uses of language. This approach resonates with the authors who are attracted to the Warnitzer Lesungen, appreciating the curiosity of the audience and the support from the district, village, and mayor.
The Warnitzer Lesungen series includes readings in German, with occasional exceptions like James Joyce's Ulysses on Bloomsday each June. The events are held in the big room at the Deutsche Eiche, where a sound system with a projector, provided by the Landkreis this year, ensures everyone can hear.
The series has been held at the Deutsche Eiche for five or six years, which has helped lower the inhibition threshold for locals and attract well-known authors. In exchange for the free use of the room, visitors are encouraged to eat and drink at the inn. This mutual arrangement has proved beneficial for both parties.
Jentzsch believes that a good moderator should ask questions out of curiosity and trust their intuition. This approach has led to discussions on important political and literary topics, attracting a diverse audience.
The Warnitzer Lesungen has received continuous support from the Landkreis, the Brandenburg Literature Council, and the Potsdam Literature Office, who contribute to the honorariums of the authors. The UNESCO Club Joachimsthal is also an important cooperation partner for the series.
The influx of Berliners buying houses in the Uckermark due to its affordability and good transport links has led to rising house prices, making it difficult for locals to keep up. Despite these challenges, the Warnitzer Lesungen remains a beacon of cultural excellence in the region, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
For more information about the Warnitzer Lesungen series, visit warnitzerlesungen.de. Jentzsch is already planning for 2027, motivated by the demand for her events and the opportunity to continue fostering a love for literature in the Uckermark.
- The Warnitzer Lesungen, a literary event series in Warnitz, Brandenburg, focuses on bringing quality authors to the region, offering a regular dose of ambitious art and culture.
- Beyond readings, the Warnitzer Lesungen series now includes interactive elements, fostering engagement between writers and the local community.
- The series supports personal growth, as Jentzsch, its founder, values poetry for its critical engagement with language, seeing it as a tool for understanding society and challenging manipulative uses of language.
- The events cater to diverse audiences, addressing important political and literary topics with the help of curious and intuitive moderators, making the Warnitzer Lesungen a beacon of cultural excellence in the Brandenburg region.
