How long does the event last?

The reading with music lasts about 120 minutes including scenic transitions.

Is there a book signing or Q&A?

A short discussion segment is part of the format; a signing session has not been announced; information will follow.

How do I get tickets?

Tickets cost between 10 and 18 euros and are available via the provided online link or at the Bayreuth theater box office.

Is the cultural stage Reichshof accessible?

The venue offers a barrier-free environment with accessible restrooms; designated parking spaces and ramps are located on-site.

Where can I park and how do I get there?

The downtown parking garages are recommended; the cultural stage is centrally located and easily accessible by city bus.

What contents will be read and played?

Texts by Tucholsky, Kästner, Kaléko, Klemperer, etc., meet music by Eisler, Weill, Schulhoff, Juon, and Françaix as well as swing and hits.

Word meets sound: Roman Knižka ignites Weimar texts in Bayreuth

Name: Ensemble OPUS 45 and Roman Knižka: Germany, don't you see it?
Start: 2026-04-24T21:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-04-24T23:30:00+02:00
Location: Kulturbühne Reichshof

Weimar words, awakened ears: Roman Knižka and OPUS 45 in Bayreuth

A reading that goes under your skin, and music that makes history audible: Actor Roman Knižka and the Ensemble OPUS 45 present 'Germany, don't you see it? – The downfall of the Weimar Republic (1929–1933)' as a literary experience on the cultural stage Reichshof. Between linguistic art and sound dramaturgy, a reading atmosphere is created that makes contemporary history sensually tangible.

Voice and sound: When language breathes and tones remember

With a distinctive voice, Roman Knižka guides through texts by Kurt Tucholsky, Erich Kästner, Mascha Kaléko, Viktor Klemperer, Sebastian Haffner, and Dorothy Thompson. OPUS 45 – a woodwind quintet featuring musicians from leading orchestras – frames and counterpoints the reading with music from Hanns Eisler, Kurt Weill, Erwin Schulhoff, Paul Juon, and Jean Françaix, as well as with contemporary swing and hits. Words and sounds merge into a scenic narrative that traces the dramatic final phase of the Weimar Republic with literary quality and fine sound direction.

Context with cultural history: Narratives between warning and resonance

The program title references a line from Tucholsky's poem 'Germany, awaken!' – a warning against radicalization and the erosion of democratic norms. The dramaturgy connects literary testimonies with historical context while also providing a local perspective on the experiences of people on the ground. This creates a dense, intimate atmosphere where style, genre, and political diagnosis intertwine.

Author encounter with profile: Roman Knižka and the linguistic art of the stage

Roman Knižka has been known for years as a prominent voice in readings, radio plays, and films. His precise diction and sense of nuances convey the texts without pathos, but with inner tension. In dialogue with OPUS 45, which has shaped literary concert formats for years, the performance becomes a remarkable literary experience.

Awards and relevance

The Ensemble OPUS 45 was honored in 2025 with the Hans-Frankenthal Prize from the Auschwitz Committee Foundation Hamburg – a signal for the cultural and social importance of these literary concerts. The artistic signature: Historical themes, carefully curated texts, musical dramaturgy that keeps the culture of remembrance alive.

Practically considered: Format, duration, and accessibility

The reading with music lasts about two hours including breaks or scenic transitions. The Reichshof is centrally located; the cultural stage is easily accessible and offers, among other things, barrier-free restrooms and designated parking spaces. Tickets cost between 10–18 €. Early booking is recommended.

Voices of the readers

The readers' reactions are clear: Roman Knižka captivates literature lovers with his precise language and presence.

Instagram: 'Can't wait to experience Knižka live – voice, text, goosebumps!'

Facebook: 'This mix of Tucholsky, Kästner, and Weill strikes heart and mind – a must-do in Bayreuth.'

Website: 'OPUS 45 connects word and music into a moving remembrance concert.'

Conclusion: An evening that combines literary quality with musical intensity and poses questions to the present. Those who appreciate linguistic art, historical depth, and captivating stage presence should experience this program live.