In his novel "Lichtspiel", Daniel Kehlmann has staged the power of images, the seductiveness of stories and the political abysses of the 20th century. The conversation with him is based on his literary work and opens up to questions about the current constitution of the United States of America, which will look back on 250 years of independence in 2026. Questions arise about the freedom of art and its possible willingness to become entangled in politics.

What ideals of freedom, what promises and what contradictions characterize the American anniversary - and what is the state of basic democratic rights today? A dialog about literature, history and the question of what freedom means in our time.

The event is part of the USA Day, with which the Heidelberger Frühling, together with the German-American Institute Heidelberg, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2026, is taking a reflective look at the United States - on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the German-American Institute. Anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Under the title "The Other 50 %", words and sounds complement each other in an exciting reflection on the ideals and realities of a country whose politics and culture have always been an indispensable point of reference since 1945, especially when viewed from Germany.

Also bookable in the USA Pass (valid for all four events on this day)