Lecture and performance: “Between equality, population policy and self-determination — on the right to abortion in the GDR“ (Luisa Klatte) + YCT529 (Marie Charlotte Elsner & Maria Winkler)
• 16:00: Reception
• 16:30: Short introduction and lecture entitled “Between Equality, Population Policy and Self-Determination — On the Right to Abortion in the GDR” by Luisa Klatte
• 17:30: Performance “YCT529” by Maria Winkler with Marie Charlotte Elsner
Since its introduction in Germany at the end of the 19th century, the struggle against the criminalization of abortion and §218 has been a central object of social protest. It is often misunderstood that abortions were not always prohibited in Germany. For example, abortions up to the 12th week and without giving reasons were permitted in the GDR from 1972. The lecture discusses how this liberalization came about, how abortions were positioned in the GDR, and how their legality was negotiated in the German reunification process.
Luisa Klatte is a cultural scientist and is doing her doctorate at the University of Leipzig on the legality of abortion in (post-)socialist societies, using the GDR and Poland as examples.
The mystical performance YCT529 celebrates female menstruation, bridging the four seasons and the four phases of the cycle. The artist addresses the ambivalence of hormonal contraceptive methods between freedom through the emancipation of one’s own reproductive functions and organized suppression of female desire.
The performance is considered a representation of the performers’ own perceptions and is composed of sound-installative moments and text. The premiere took place in May together with Luise Hemmann in the context of the exhibition RE:ENCHANTED BODIES, which was curated by Hanna Thuma and Jannika Jähnisch.
Performance: Maria Winkler
Sound: Gabriel Wörfel, Maria Winkler
Performers: Marie Charlotte Elsner, Maria Winkler
Image: Catherina Rocio
In Cooperation with: Re*mapping Leipzig
