Literatures, Languages & Cultures

A love letter to life

Second year German and Linguistics student Kelly Brazdzionis gives us an insider’s view of the very first DELC Festival of European Theatre.

Theatre productions have long been a highlight of the social life of the University of Edinburgh.

Cast of German Play 2019
The cast and crew of Wodka-Käfer in rehearsals

As well as theatrical societies run by the Students’ Association, there are lots of opportunities to get involved in plays and performances as cast or crew, not least in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC).

This year, we’re delighted to bring four plays together in the very first DELC Festival of European Theatre, with productions in Italian, German, French and Spanish over eight nights at Assembly Roxy.

As the curtain rises on the German production, Wodka-Käfer, second year German and Linguistics (MA) student Kelly Brazdzionis tells us what the play, and the Festival, have brought to her study experience.

A love letter to life

“The DELC Festival of European Theatre is a collection of foreign language plays to really engage students and the community in an immersive experience of culture”, says Kelly.

“In the German play, we will transport you to East Berlin, where you will catch a glimpse of the everyday lives of people living in an apartment building there.”

“The play is a love letter to life and the human experience, reminding us that we aren’t so different after all, and this in essence also captures the goal of learning about other cultures”.

“I’m playing Katja in the German play, a young woman who’s trying to figure out what makes her happy and what she should do with the rest of her life after the end of a serious relationship.”

Gaining confidence and connections

“Playing Katja has been a really great experience for me. Learning the lines and going to rehearsals every week has really improved my German, and, more importantly, it’s given me so much more confidence in my speaking abilities.”

“In addition to these academic skills, I’m glad to say I’ve made some great connections with new people from lots of different places and studying different degrees, people I definitely wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’m really grateful for that.”

The German Play 2019, Wodka-Käfer, will be performed in German in the Upstairs Theatre at Assembly Roxy on 18th and 19th March 2019, starting at 7pm each night.

The German Play Society extends its sincere thanks to sponsors: the Department of European Languages and Cultures (DELC) in LLC; the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD); Goethe-Institut Glasgow; and German Consulate General Edinburgh.

Tickets are available online and in person at the venue (£6, concessions £4).

Book your ticket on the Assembly website [external site]