Freedom Without Walls at the University of South Florida
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- Near Potsdamer Platz, November 1989
- (© Richard Erich Schade)
The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of an era that those born after the 1970s may understand only as an historical factoid. To bring its meaning to life for everyone in the Tampa Bay community, the University of South Florida is one of 29 colleges and universities in the United States hosting a special commemoration of this important event under the banner "Freedom Without Walls" -- beginning with a film screening on Sept. 23. All the events are free and open to the public.
The wall separating East Berlin from West Berlin came down on Nov. 9, 1989, signaling the close of the Cold War and ushering in a new chapter in European history. Thousands of Berliners seized the opportunity to become part of this historic moment by hammering, chiseling and breaking apart the physical barrier between the two halves of Germany's storied capital. A film series, a public speaking competition, a gala celebration, and a graffiti art competition involving a replica of the Berlin Wall will bring the message home for people of all ages.
"There are many ways to express what freedom means," said Margit Grieb, associate professor in the Department of World Languages and team leader in organizing the events. "The competitions reinforce the significance of free expression and the films remind us about the impact this period in history had on Berliners, Germans and the world -- as a reality and as a symbol. We hope people of all backgrounds will participate in this joyous tribute to freedom."
Schedule of Events
The monthly Freedom Without Walls film screenings deal with the wall and the reunification process:
Sept. 23: One. Two. Three (1961, dir. Billy Wilder) -- 3:45 PM; USF Tampa Library, Grace Allen Room - 4th Floor
Oct. 27: The Wall (1991, dir. Jürgen Böttcher); 3:45 PM USF Tampa Library, Grace Allen Room - 4th Floor
Nov. 9: The Lives of Others (2006, dir. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck); 6 PM Marshall Student Center Oval Theater
The Freedom Without Walls Public Expression Competition invites everyone -- USF students, employees, and area residents -- to submit a short presentation (up to ten minutes or 1200 words) addressing the theme "Memories of the Fall of the Berlin Wall -- As Remembered, Recounted, Collected or Imagined." Written speeches, poems, songs, dramatic performances or visual projects (videos, art) are all eligible and must be submitted by the Oct. 14, 5 p.m. deadline.
Oct. 21, at 6:00 PM, USF will host the Freedom without Walls Gala Celebration with complimentary refreshments at the USF Marshall Student Center. Noted German author Holger Teschke is the featured guest speaker.
Finally, from Nov. 2 - 9, a replica of the Berlin Wall will be positioned outside of the Marshall Student Center and on display daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. One and all are invited to spray-paint graffiti on the wall. The best graffiti artists will win prizes.
All events are generously supported by the German Embassy in Washington DC, the USF College of Arts and Sciences, the USF Department of World Languages, the USF Humanities Institute and the USF German Culture Club.
