When does Deception & Illusion take place?

The staged reading takes place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Where is the reading held?

The venue is the marriage room at Rössing Castle, Unter den Eichen 3, 31171 Nordstemmen-Rössing.

How much is the admission fee?

The regular admission is €12. Reduced tickets cost €8. A tandem ticket for two people with at least a 40-year age difference costs €10.

What can the audience expect at Deception & Illusion?

The audience will experience a staged reading with Manuela Hörr and Mark Roberts, songs from that time, as well as a subsequent discussion and exchange.

Can the audience bring their own letters?

Yes, visitors can bring their own letters from that time and enrich the intergenerational exchange.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

The event is marked as not wheelchair accessible in the published program.

Deception & Illusion Reading Rössing 2026

Name: Deception & Illusion
Start: 2026-10-03T17:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-10-03T19:30:00+02:00
Location: Schloss Rössing

Deception & Illusion: A Correspondence that Makes History Audible

Seven years, 2591 letters, and a love that navigates through war, societal boundaries, and the uncertainty of time: The staged reading Deception & Illusion brings the story of Hilde and Roland to the stage on October 3, 2026, in the marriage room of Rössing Castle.

A Love Story in Letters

In 1938, 18-year-old Hilde falls in love with her 30-year-old choir conductor Roland. An open declaration of love seems unthinkable: He is a teacher, she is a laborer. When Roland moves away, a correspondence begins that spans seven years and leaves behind 2591 writings. The letters tell of closeness and distance, of everyday life and war, of hopes, fears, and the thoughts of two people trying to remain human in turbulent times.

Between Reading, Music, and Memory

Manuela Hörr and Mark Roberts lend their voices to Hilde and Roland. Their staged reading combines literary design with songs from that era. This creates an immediate reading atmosphere where language, voice, and music merge into a multifaceted space of remembrance.

The production approaches the historical material not as a distant archive but as a lively author-encounter with a past generation. The letter becomes a literary document and at the same time a personal testimony: It preserves feelings, articulates doubts, and makes visible how private life plans are shaped by political upheavals.

A Conversation Between Generations

Deception & Illusion is aimed at older individuals who want to understand what their parents and grandparents experienced, as well as at young visitors who want to engage with the history of their families and their country. After the reading, there will be time for discussion and exchange.

The audience is invited to bring their own letters from that time. Thus, the event opens up for personal memories and a cultural discourse that does not end with the performance. The literary quality of the evening arises precisely from this connection of staged play, historical awareness, music, and collective reflection.

Literary Experience at Rössing Castle

The marriage room of Rössing Castle provides an intimate setting for this reading journey through the Hildesheim district. The concentrated atmosphere supports the narrative form of the performance and allows the voices of the characters to have an immediate impact. Visitors can expect no distant lecture but a sensual literary experience with language, music, and conversation.

Conclusion: Letters as a Bridge Between Past and Present

Deception & Illusion shows how private letters become a key to historical experience. The staged reading invites you to listen, reconsider your own family stories, and engage in conversation. Those who wish to experience literature as the art of language, memory, and encounter will find a compelling evening at Rössing Castle, blending theater, reading, and music.