The Murder of Walter Lübcke

"I would say it is worth living in our country. We must stand up for values. And whoever does not represent these values can leave this country at any time if he disagrees."
Walter Lübcke

On 14 October 2015, Walter Lübcke, then president of the Kassel administrative district, spoke at an event in Lohfelden. The politician informed the audience about a refugee centre that was about to open. Lübcke expressed not only his deep conviction but also articulated a fundamental understanding of the rule of law and democracy. While most of the audience listened attentively, a group of right-wing extremists attempted to disrupt the event and provoke Lübcke. His response unleashed a spiral of hatred on right-wing forums. Four years later, Walter Lübcke is dead. Shot on the terrace of his own home.

The perpetrator, Stephan Ernst, was present at the event in Lohfelden. He has been known to the authorities since the 1990s. Between 2015 and 2019, he radicalizes and ultimately becomes a murderer. He is an example of a changing society and the growing willingness to commit violence and murder in neo-Nazi circles.

The Westfälisches Landestheater develops a production based on the tragedy of the political murder of Walter Lübcke that explores the development of right-wing extremist movements in Germany. The play focuses on the threat to our democracy, which manifests itself in the situation of politicians subjected to the worst insults and threats.

The production is supported by the Landeszentrale für politische Bildung NRW. In cooperation with Auslandsgesellschaft.de e.V. Dortmund.

Duration: 90 minutes without intermission