For five decades Goethe-Institut Boston has been residing in its wonderful historic building in Back Bay. It has become a distinctive feature of the lively cultural fabric in New England. We are delighted that our beloved historical home will be undergoing renovations soon. Just in time for 50th anniversary, the Goethe-Institut Boston will be getting a complete makeover! Before closing down – the building, not our activities, as we will be operating from “elsewhere” – we look forward to celebrate with our “friends and family”.
Join us for a lively farewell party on September 22. Visit Boston’s smallest gallery – Sound installation and live music – Mini German language class – Poetry – Find out what's happening at the German election – Have a sip in the "Kellerbar" – Secure yourself a piece of history in an auction – Toast 50 years of partnership with a glass of German wine or beer – Toast 50 years of partnership with a glass of German wine or beer and enjoy Germany-inspired delicacies.
We look forward to seeing you!
Generously supported by Aeronaut Brewing Company, Iggy's Bread, Karl's Sausage Kitchen & European Market, and Swissbäkers.
Program
Panel Discussion: German Elections
6:30–7:00 pm / Auditorium
Karl Kaiser, Center for European Studies, Harvard
Cathryn Clüver Ashbrook, Harvard Kennedy School
How will Germany vote on September 24th? The panel discusses possible results of the upcoming Federal Elections and what they will mean for the transatlantic relationship.
Take a breather on the fourth floor — our ‘Liegekonzert’, a well-established format in Germany, invites you to relax and enjoy live music while getting cozy on provided mats, pillows and chairs. Featured artists are Emily Marvosh, contralto and Dave McLellan, guitar in a program of courtly and folksy songs from Dowland to Lorca, followed by Nancy Hair, cello, with excerpts J.S. Bach’s cello suites.
Carissa Halston, founder of the press Aforementioned Productions, as the Whipper; William Pierce, editor of the literary magazine AGNI as one of the clerks of the court.
Reading and Performance
5:15–5:45 pm / Garden
A rollicking reading of their own work by The Back Porch Collective, centering on the evening’s theme of “Elsewhere.” Front porch and garden.
Readings by three American women. Simone John’s debut poetry collection, Testify, was released last month. Carissa Halston’s novel-in-progress, Conjoined States, examines racial tension and “moral” violence in the U.S. And Shuchi Saraswat’s novel, Prema, tells the story of an Indian woman in her early forties who, after decades of living in the States, leaves for India, meaning never to return.
Sound Performances & Installations: Sonic Adventures
Room Berlin
7:15–7:45 pm / Michael Rosenstein (field recordings and electronics) & Chris Strunk (solo percussion) 8:45–9:15 pm / Luke Martin (no-input mixing board) & José Rivera (electronics) 9:30–10:00 pm / Kevin Micka (guitar, electronics) & TBD
Non-Event, our trusted partner for over 10 years in electronic and experimental music, presents a selection of local artists with diverse performances and sound installations throughout the building:
Emmelsum – a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia without any attractions. Even the town’s website states: "There is not much to say about Emmelsum". The filmmaker portrays the village anyway because there’s no place on earth where there’s just “nothing”.
Screening: Saving Pop Culture
7:15–10:15 pm / Basement
