The Power of the Messianic: Alternatives to the Present
A Conversation with Vivian Liska and Gertrud Koch (in German)
Drawing on Alexander Kluge’s film How Walter Benjamin Explained the Weak Messianic Force to Bertolt Brecht (original: Wie Walter Benjamin Bertolt Brecht die schwache Messianische Kraft erklärte), we turn our attention to the messianic as a potential for social change.
Thu 3 Dec 2026, 7 pm
Where
W. M. Blumenthal Academy,
Klaus Mangold Auditorium
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
(Opposite the Museum)
In her lecture, Vivian Liska examines the messianic from a literary perspective as a political and social dynamic that both drives and resists absolutist claims. Film scholar Gertrud Koch takes the “defiant and headstrong” nature of Kluge’s work as a starting point to explore the reality of desire as a genuine source of action.
Vivian Liska; photo: private
Exhibition The Opposite of Now: Artistic Paths to a Different Present: Features & Programs
Exhibition Webpage
- The Opposite of Now: Artistic Paths to a Different Present: 4 Sep 2026 to 10 Jan 2027
Accompanying Events & Tours
- Opening of the Exhibition: 3 Sep 2026, starting at 6:30 pm
- Film screenings, the JMB Book Club, panel discussions, and public tours: Soon you'll find all dates in our calender
- Guided Tours for Groups – tour by appointment
- Guided Tour for School Groups – tour by appointment
Publications
Exhibition Catalog – English/German, will be published in Sep 2026
See also
- Fine Arts at the Jewish Museum Berlin
- 25 Years Jewish Museum Berlin: Discover our anniversary program, 2026
Where, when, what?
-
WhenThu 3 Dec 2026, 7 pm
-
Where
W. M. Blumenthal Academy,
Klaus Mangold Auditorium
Fromet-und-Moses-Mendelssohn-Platz 1, 10969 Berlin
(Opposite the Museum)
See location on map
-
Entry fee
Free of charge
Language German
Please note Tickets can be reserved through the ticket shop
