DUO:DONNERSTAG

On selected Thursdays we invite you to enjoy a reading and a concert in our foyer – for the perfect early start to the weekend, with drinks at the bar, inspiring texts and electrifying sounds. We are looking forward to the next edition with Leh-Wei Liao and Dato Alaplaya.

Leh-Wei Liao reads from her debut novel ›Glaszeit‹ – nominated for the German Book Prize – which tells a story of fragility, resilience, and the unexpected power of new love in an atmospherically dense, and crystal-clear language. Alongside the reading, moderated by Johanna Leibecke, the Essen bookstore Proust will curate a book table inviting visitors to explore and discover.

Larger than life. On an advertising display in the underground Taipei Mall. This is how the young doctor Novana sees her mother, the Taiwanese artist March, again. It has been eighteen years since March left her behind in Germany without any explanation. Everything that has recently defined Novana’s life fades in the face of this unexpected reunion: her desire for a fresh start, which led her to leave Cologne. Everyday life in the neonatal intensive care unit in Taipei. The sleepless nights she spends wandering through the metropolis. Then, at a karaoke night, Novana meets Sihan – a fearless activist, lively and determined. Novana is drawn to her, and something that seemed long lost returns to her life: the possibility of intimacy. In a compelling and radically clear narrative, Leh-Wei Liao tells the story of defiant women, of desire and hurt, and of Taiwan’s uncertain future – and asks what is worth fighting for.

After the reading, you can look forward to a concert by Dato Alaplaya. Dato Alaplaya’s music blends elements of synth-pop and new wave with dreamlike, electronic soundscapes, characterized by emotional depth and a modern sound. His tracks are often marked by nostalgic melodies combined with dynamic rhythms, blending introspection with vibrant energy. Alaplaya’s sound feels experimental yet accessible. He offers listeners a blend of intimate storytelling and universal themes. Songs like “Feels Like Music” and “Festival” stand out for their atmospheric quality and thoughtful composition, creating a timeless yet contemporary vibe.