The 30th International Thomas Mann Festival has opened in the Lithuanian seaside resort of Nida, bringing together musicians, writers, historians and filmmakers for a week of events centred on the theme of hope in a time of political and cultural uncertainty.
This year’s festival, titled “Time Out of Joint. Hope”, takes its inspiration from what organisers describe as Europe’s current challenges, including war, democratic pressures and broader crises of culture and values.
“We are focusing on today’s situation in Europe,” festival coordinator Lina Motuzienė said. “The idea of time out of joint is associated with the wars taking place in Europe, as well as various cultural and value crises and challenges to democracy. These are the issues the festival is addressing.”
The festival opened with a concert at Nida’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, one of the main venues for the anniversary edition of the event.
The program also includes chamber music concerts, film screenings, guided tours, readings from the works of German Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann, and discussions with historians, film directors and writers. Young authors were also invited to participate in an essay competition.
