Woman, Life, Freedom

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Music and art as a voice of protest in Iran - Solidarity event at the HfMT Forum

Prominent guests and a sold-out forum: On Sunday evening, the Hamburg University of Music and Drama (HfMT) expressed its solidarity with the protesting people in Iran, including many students and academic staff. The current political situation was highlighted with music, performances, films and discussions. The German-Iranian journalist, presenter and performance artist Michel Abdollahi also found apt words for what needs to be done now.

The voice of protest against the Iranian government's repressive course has become unmistakable in recent weeks. Artistic forms of expression by artists living in the country and abroad and their dissemination in the media play an important role in this. The university management of the HfMT has responded to the need of students of Iranian origin and has now organized this evening of solidarity together with them. The varied program was moderated by conductor Yalda Zamani and cultural manager Bahar Roshanai from the Körber Foundation. In various discussion rounds and film clips, particular attention was drawn to the situation of women and how regimented and sometimes life-threatening it is there to express oneself artistically. Acting student Ali Abbasi sang the protest anthem "Baraye", accompanied by a harpist.

HfMT President Prof. Dr. Jan Philipp Sprick"I am deeply impressed and moved by the commitment of our Iranian students and the other participants in the event. A wide range of activities and initiatives has become visible, which has shown the important role of art and culture in the protests. I am delighted that the HfMT was able to provide a stage for this. I would like to thank - on behalf of all those involved - the two presenters of the evening, Bahar Roshanai and Yalda Zamani, who were also largely responsible for putting together the program."

A prominent visitor to the event was the Hamburg artist and journalist Michel Abdollahiwho emphasized in his speech how important relations with Germany are to Iran and that criticism from here is always perceived very carefully. "After the Federal Foreign Minister made her statement, the Iranian Foreign Minister immediately tweeted what that was all about. When the Federal Chancellor spoke out, he immediately tweeted again in a harsher tone. And when the resolution was passed in the UN Human Rights Council, the tweets back were even harsher. Let's just keep going until he stops tweeting!" demanded Michel Abdollahi. "It's not about sensitizing Iranians, they are already sensitized enough, but I am doing this as a German citizen. I have learned that you have to stand up for the free democratic basic order without restrictions," said Michel Abdullahi and emphasized how important it is to continue to provide information about the situation in Iran and to keep up the public pressure.