Reading and discussion: Great-Uncle Paul's Violin Bow – The Life and Family History of a Prussian Sinto

In “Großonkel Pauls Geigenbogen”, musician and civil rights activist Romeo Franz and author Alexandra Senfft tell the story of his family's life since the end of the 19th century. The family, which lived in Prussia, had to flee during the Nazi era. The violin bow of his great-uncle Paul, who was murdered in Auschwitz, is the common thread running through the story. Meticulous historical research and family memories characterise this captivating chronicle, which includes the diverse history of the European Sinti and Roma. It is an impressive testimony to resistance, self-determination and success as well as a powerful plea against discrimination and racism.

Programme

Welcome
Dr Gundula Bavendamm, Director of the Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation

Introduction
Uwe Neumärker, Director of the Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Reading and discussion
Romeo Franz, Member of the European Parliament, musician, Secretary General of the Federal Association of Sinti and Roma

Alexandra Senfft, author, 2nd Chairwoman of the Working Group for Intergenerational Consequences of the Holocaust
Moderation: Jana Mechelhoff-Herezi, Research Associate/Head of Remembrance of Sinti and Roma, Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Musical accompaniment
Sunny Franz Duo
Romeo-Manolito Franz, violin
Sascha Reinhardt, guitar

Language: German

Afterwards, we invite you to a small reception.

Admission free

An event in co-operation with:
Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Goldmann / Penguin Random House Publishing Group