Future-Foyer: Staying humanistic in politically charged times
2026-02-03 How can humanistic dialogue succeed in times of social polarisation? This was the question explored at the Future-Foyer event, ‘Remaining Humanistic – Dialogue in Politically Charged Times’, held on 15 January 2026 at the Theater Lüneburg.
The evening was organised by the Leuphana Innovation Community for Art and Culture in collaboration with Theater Lüneburg.
The focus was on artistic and journalistic perspectives on dealing with conflict, violence and speechlessness. Actors Elisa Reining and Christoph Vetter read excerpts from *I Will Not Hate* by Izzeldin Abuelaish and from *How to Remain Humanistic After a Massacre in 17 Steps* by Maya Arad Yasur. The texts offered powerful insights into personal experiences of loss and violence in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict, whilst also raising questions of responsibility, empathy and the possibility of understanding.
The readings were followed by a discussion with journalist Charlotte Wiedemann, which provided a socio-political framework for the literary reflections. Topics discussed included the challenges of dialogue in emotionally charged debates, the role of the concept of ‘empathic culture of remembrance’ coined by Wiedemann, and the significance of humanistic attitudes in public discourse. The audience also actively participated in the discussion, contributing their own perspectives and questions.
The Future-Foyer once again proved to be an open space for exchange between art, society and the public. In the unique atmosphere of the theatre foyer, an intense dialogue unfolded that highlighted the complexity of political conflicts whilst also underscoring the value of empathy, nuance and dialogue – particularly within cultural institutions.