Demokratische Leibesübungen – eine geturnte Choreographie

Demokratische Leibesübungen – eine geturnte Choreographie

Hanau is a city whose democratic beginnings are overshadowed by neighboring Frankfurt, but which are nonetheless significant and worthy of recognition in their own right. Gymnasts played a special role in Hanau. The first gymnastics club was founded in Hanau as early as 1837 (it was then banned after 1848, only to be reestablished in the 1860s and 1870s). We are interested in the connection between sport and democracy, which is particularly evident in Hanau. What connected the two in their early days? The relationship between two movements that are fundamental to our society will be examined in the near future, but it is still far from being sufficiently explored and known among the population.

We want to work with Hanau gymnasts and other athletes to develop a simple choreography based on democratic movements and present it in the city in the context of a historical reappraisal.

The voice that needs to be heard is that of the people of Hanau themselves. Both the Hanauers of 1847/48 and the Hanauers of 2026. Of course, the murders in Hanau also play a role here. This is where the particular challenge lies: how can we get the many to speak without ending up in confusion or chanting? How do you create diversity without simplicity? How can you give many people a dramatic voice without arguments and heated debates, social media door slamming and shouting?

We will approach these questions by combining historical analysis with discussions with gymnasts and athletes.

The project is being run by Passionsspiele der Demokratie gUG, based in Frankfurt, which puts on participatory theater projects about democracy and democratic history—most recently at St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt. Partners will include local associations, choirs, and cultural figures in Hanau, as well as the city of Hanau itself and the Partnership for Democracy Hanau.