Democracy up close: Annette Frier inspires students with a play

Democracy up close: Annette Frier inspires students with a play

Max-Ernst-Gesamtschule Bocklemünd, Köln, Deutschland - The Max Ernst Comprehensive School Bocklemünd is not just about school material, democracy can be experienced up close here. Annette Frier staged the play "Democracy Plus X", which celebrated its premiere on July 2, 2025. During a 45-minute performance that the students draw in the middle of the action of democratic history, Frier compares democracy with the food of spinach: "You should like it, but don't know why," she explains, while the viewers listen to. A living piece that stimulates thinking!

In the course of the performance, the students have the opportunity to actively take a position. 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 their 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 slips into the role of a tyrant, while Frier as the defender of democracy stimulates the students, according to "Freedom!" To call - a call that enthusiastically follows the majority. In contrast, only a handful of younger students reacts when Trabner "King!" calls.

commitment to democracy

While Frier is thrilling the audience, the importance of engagement for the democratic system is also put in the foreground. It asks those present to become active and to work for democracy. This message fits perfectly with the initiative of the Sparkasse Köln-Bonn to strengthen democratic values ​​before the local elections on September 14th. Ulrich Voigt, the CEO of the Sparkasse, emphasizes the pressure on democratic values ​​worldwide and underlines the importance of participation and participation.

In order to promote this participation, the Sparkasse made impressive 250,000 euros for democracy projects in Cologne and Bonn last year. This year the sum will be increased to one million euros. In addition, the first and-fed and young elections benefit from free digital offers of local newspapers by the end of the year- a step to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part in social life.

democracy begins in everyday life

The Sparkasse also pursues the goal of encouraging and clarifying the voters of tomorrow. Democracy is not only decided in ballot boxes, but also begins in everyday life and shapes the values ​​of living together, such as the reports report on political engagement . Fairness, acceptance of different opinions and ways of life are important aspects that are repeatedly emphasized in this context.

A highlight of the initiative is the town of Talk with Cologne mayor candidate announced for September 10th. Here space is offered for exchange on local political issues, supported by a debate in cooperation with the "Bonn Institute". In addition, election helpers are paid at 250 euros per election day, in addition to the “refreshing money” of the municipalities. The Sparkasse impressively shows that commitment and democracy go hand in hand and are worthwhile to become active.

In this moving staging of Annette Frier, it becomes clear that democracy is not just a form of government, but a lively process that requires the commitment of everyone. The message is clear: if you stand up for freedom and equality, you have to act.