From February 10 to 14, 2025, the Brecht Days invite literature lovers to rediscover the works of one of Germany’s most influential poets and playwrights, Bertolt Brecht. Held at the Literature Forum in the Brecht House, this year’s focus is on Brecht’s notebooks, offering a rare glimpse into the creative processes of a literary genius. The festival features inspiring readings, lectures, and performances that bring Brecht’s legacy to life.

Exploring Brecht’s Notebooks: A Source of Inspiration

The Brecht Days 2025 center on a unique aspect of Brecht’s work: his notebooks. These journals were more than just tools for organizing ideas—they were creative archives filled with thoughts, quotes, sketches, and even receipts. Since their publication by Suhrkamp Verlag, these notebooks have gained recognition for their profound insights into Brecht’s artistry and thought processes.

Highlights of the Brecht Days 2025

The program offers a rich variety of events that cater to both avid fans and newcomers to Brecht’s work:

• Commented Readings (February 10, 8:00 PM):
  Actress Corinna Harfouch performs selections from Brecht’s notebooks, accompanied by commentary from editors Martin Kölbel and Peter Villwock. Highlights include excerpts from the "Augsburg Sonnets" and the play The Downfall of the Egotist Johann.
• Lecture and Discussion (February 11, 8:00 PM):
  Titled “I’m Sitting on a Pile of Paper,” this session explores notebooks as a literary tool. Hosted by Erdmut Wizisla and Durs Grünbein, it delves into the creative processes behind Brecht’s work.
• Presentation of Original Notebooks (February 12, 3:00 PM):
  Visitors can view Brecht’s original handwritten notebooks at the Bertolt Brecht Archive, gaining a rare glimpse into his artistic vision.
• Academic Symposium (February 13):
  Experts discuss the significance of notebooks in literature, drawing comparisons to other iconic writers like Nietzsche and Walter Benjamin.
• Musical Performance (February 14, 8:00 PM):
  The festival concludes with a unique musical-literary collage by Leo Solter and Steffen Thiemann, transforming Brecht’s notes into an engaging performance.

Venues and Accessibility

The Literature Forum at Brecht House, located at Chausseestraße 125 in Berlin-Mitte, serves as the festival’s main venue. It is easily reachable via public transport:

• U-Bahn: Oranienburger Tor or Naturkundemuseum
• Buses: Multiple lines to Chausseestraße.

A Literary Excursion in Berlin

Combine your visit to the Brecht Days with a trip to the nearby Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum of Contemporary Art. This museum’s cutting-edge exhibitions provide a perfect complement to the literary focus of the festival.

Conclusion

The Brecht Days 2025 are more than a celebration of one writer’s legacy—they are a vibrant exploration of literature, creativity, and culture. Whether you’re a Brecht enthusiast or a newcomer, the festival promises a thought-provoking and inspiring experience.

At a Glance

Address, Opening Hours …

What: Brecht Days 2025
Where: Literaturforum Berlin, Chausseestraße 125, 10115 Berlin
When: February 10th to 14th, 2025
Ticket: free up to €6