JOCHEN MALMSHEIMER - Wenn Worte reden könnten

As is proper: a welcome to those assembled, plus an agreement on ruthless candour across the board. The connection between railway stations and glue is finally addressed again - more than fifty years after the end of the war in Germany - though the relief it brings is barely perceptible.

What follows is an exhaustive treatment of the "Höhn-Angst" (fear of Höhn) afflicting "homo canidem tenens", tracing back to the former North Rhine-Westphalian environment minister and her dog ordinance - addressed even for the cantor. And, among much else, the evening finally unfolds what would happen "Wenn Worte reden könnten" (If Words Could Speak).

The business of speaking - pursued by almost everyone, shamelessly and without a second thought, in every conceivable situation - is far more complicated than one might suppose. This show makes clear why. And perhaps, after listening, you'll handle words and sounds with a little more care going forward. At least that's what I'm full of hope for - as one might write.

Photo: Jürgen Sprachmann