Democracy up close: Annette Frier inspires students with a play

Democracy up close: Annette Frier inspires students with a play

At the Max-Ernst-Gesamtschule Bocklemünd it's not just about school material; here you can experience democracy up close. Annette Frier directed the play “Democracy plus X”, which premiered on July 2, 2025. During a 45-minute performance that takes students right into the heart of democratic history, Frier compares democracy to eating spinach: "You're supposed to like it, but you don't know why," she explains, as the audience listens spellbound. A lively piece that makes you think!

During the course of the performance, the students have the opportunity to actively take a stand. When asked who is for peace, all hands go up. But when it comes to arms deliveries to Ukraine, the answer remains unclear. Frier and her co-actor Peter Trabner use the stage to shed light on topics such as freedom of choice, equality and current political figures such as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Trabner takes on the role of a tyrant, while Frier, as a defender of democracy, encourages the students to shout “Freedom!” to call – a call that the majority enthusiastically follows. In contrast, only a handful of younger students responded when Trabner shouted “King!” calls.

Commitment to democracy

While Frier captivates the audience, the importance of commitment to the democratic system is also brought to the fore. She calls on those present to become active and stand up for democracy. This message fits perfectly with the initiative Sparkasse Cologne-Bonn, which works to strengthen democratic values ​​ahead of local elections on September 14th. Ulrich Voigt, CEO of Sparkasse, highlights the pressure on democratic values ​​worldwide and underlines the importance of participation and co-determination.

To promote this participation, the Sparkasse provided an impressive 250,000 euros for democracy projects in Cologne and Bonn last year. This year the amount will be increased to one million euros. In addition, first-time and young voters will benefit from free digital offerings from local newspapers until the end of the year - a step to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in social life.

Democracy begins in everyday life

With its initiative, the Sparkasse also aims to encourage and educate tomorrow's voters. Democracy is not only decided in the ballot box, but begins in everyday life and shapes the values ​​of coexistence Political engagement report clarified. Fairness and acceptance of different opinions and lifestyles are important aspects that are repeatedly emphasized in this context.

A highlight of the initiative is the town hall talk with Cologne mayoral candidates announced for September 10th. Here there is space for exchange about local political issues, supported by a debate in collaboration with the “Bonn Institute”. In addition, election workers are paid 250 euros per election day, in addition to the “refreshment money” provided by the municipalities. In this way, the Sparkasse impressively shows that commitment and democracy go hand in hand and that it is worth taking action.

In this moving production by Annette Frier, it becomes clear that democracy is not just a form of governance, but a living process that requires the commitment of everyone. The message is clear: Anyone who stands up for freedom and equality has a responsibility to act.