International Women’s Day

To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, the Central Gender Equality Officer at Marien University Hospital & School Gelsenkirchen is organising events such as musical readings or lectures.

MUSICAL READING
'Heinrich Heine: From Devotion to Detainment Order, between Cupid and Censor'

In honour of International Women’s Day 2025, the Equal Opportunities Office at Marien University Hospital & School Gelsenkirchen cordially invited to the musical reading: „And as I reached the border line, I felt a mightier throb within my chest…". Heinrich Heine: From Devotion to Detainment Order, between Cupid and Censor” at the Haus der Universität (“University House”). 

200 years ago, a warrant was issued for the arrest of the Gelsenkirchen-born poet Heinrich Heine. Shortly beforehand, he had shaped his impressions of his last journey from exile in France to Germany into an epic poem, published under the title of “Germany. A Winter’s Tale”. Heine loved defiantly and criticised to the point of being banned, he was unconditionally devoted to women who gave him the cold shoulder and directed merciless social criticism at sovereigns who ruled with an iron grip. The writer, who had already experienced marginalisation at an early age, disregarded social norms when it came to matters of the heart. In his youth, for example, he fell in love with the daughter of an executioner, whose family was ostracised. Later in life, he loved both society ladies and women deemed to come from less exalted circles. Heine was attracted to strong women and stood up for women – relentlessly, fearing neither the taunting of his fellow men and other contemporaries, nor duels with pistols. The musical reading followed the trail left by his bleeding heart, from his youth to infirmity, and his journey through life as a romantic rebel. 

Concept, text & reading: Dr Andreas Turnsek
Vocals: Stephanie Marie Turnsek
Composition, accordion & vocals: Gudrun Salger M.A.
Violin: Jessica Goetz
Percussion: Reverend Olaf Schaper

MUSICAL READING
'You are very much on your own when you are lonely – Erich Kästner and women'

Around 120 guests took up the invitation to the musical reading at the Haus der Universität (“University House”) in honour of International Women’s Day 2023.

A musical reading about an author whose work seems so familiar in its own way, yet little is known about his relationship with the women who shaped his life and work. Kästner is collectively remembered as a cult children’s book author and many who hear his name can recall a book, which helped shape their own lives. The author himself was shaped by war, crises, illness and complicated interpersonal relationships – and by at least one complex relationship with women. The excursion through the books and biography of Erich Kästner in text, music and song was very well-received.

The musical reading is available online.