Event in “MOMENT” – When trauma becomes legacy: actress Julia Hoeffler in Litschau

Psychology has known for some time the phenomenon of transmitting traumatic experiences to subsequent generations – usually unconsciously. This can include trauma from victims as well as from perpetrators and followers; This is usually discussed in the context of the Nazi era.

Julia Hofler also touches on this: By examining her past and, above all, the story of her grandfather, the actress, who lived in Gross Harmans (Dübersberg municipality) for a year and a half, created the play “GLETARN…”, or How to Embrace the World.” From November 8 to 10, she invites you to attend a performance of the play in the Moment in Lichao – including two days of workshops on artistic and creative body works.

Need “room” after the piece

The piece was first exhibited in France, and Hoeffler lived there for some time. The German premiere took place in 2019 at the “Hin & Weg” theater festival in Lechau. Actress and festival director Zeno Stanek have a long friendship. This is how the idea of ​​holding a multi-day event at Moment came about.

“After displaying this piece, I often had the feeling that it needed more, that visitors should be able to sleep on it,” says Julia Hoefler. Experience has shown that the theme “works” with guests: “Afterwards, I always have space to talk to myself – or to be able to tell stories myself.” Hoefler receives support during the workshops from her half-sister Melaya Lodron, a trauma therapist.

What trauma did Julia Hoeffler inherit?

She looked into the history of her ancestors and found things that had never been said and had always been suppressed. Hofler discovered that her grandfather was involved in weapons research during the Nazi era and also received money from their export after the 1955 Treaty. It can be assumed that he knew about the actions of the National Socialists and was therefore on the side of the perpetrators of the crime.

Despite everything, it was important for her to have a loving and non-judgmental approach to reconciling with her, as the artist born in 1973 says: “I don’t want to accuse my grandfather. On the contrary, he is very close to me.”