Nobel prize-winner Olga Tokarczuk

Nobel prize-winner Olga Tokarczuk «The Books of Jacob»

After cancelling her performances last November due to her Nobel Prize obligations, we are thrilled that Olga Tokarczuk will be coming to Basel, Zurich and Bern in March 2020.

The readings will focus on her Opus Magnum, «The Books of Jacob» (Kampa 2019). Olga Tokarczuk tells the incredible life story of a controversial historical figure, Jakob Frank (1726-1791). Born as a Jew in the Eastern European Shtetl, Frank converted to Islam and then to Christianity, where he was, of course, again condemned as a heretic. Throughout his life he fought for the freedom and emancipation of the Jews of Eastern Europe. At the same time, the novel gives a fascinating insight into the difficult history of the multicultural and multireligious First Polish Republic and the loss of sovereignty in the 18th century.  

The joy of Tokarczuk winning the Nobel Prize is not undivided in Poland. The trained psychologist, feminist and fighter for an open, tolerant and liberal Poland does not mince her words and is therefore severely criticized by national conservative circles.

Basel 

Tuesday, 17th of March 2020, 7 pm, Kunstmuseum Basel

Host: Jens Herlth (University of Freiburg)
, Translation: Isabelle Vonlanthen, 
Reading: Claudia Jahn

In cooperation with Literaturhaus Basel and Kunstmuseum Basel

TICKETS (or at Bider & Tanner)

Zürich

Wednesday, 18th of March 2020, 8 pm, Vortragssaal, Kunsthaus Zürich

Host: Jens Herlth (University of Freiburg), Translation: Isabelle Vonlanthen, 
Reading: Lara Körte

In cooperation with Literaturhaus Zürich

TICKETS (or at the Library of the Museumsgesellschaft)

Bern

Thursday, 19th of March 2020, 6 pm, Zentrum Paul Klee

Host: Jens Herlth (University of Freiburg), Translation: Isabelle Vonlanthen, 
Reading: Claudia Jahn

In cooperation with Zentrum Paul Klee