A stage play in Haren (Ems): the graphic novel “Maczków” is brought to life in a unique way
In mid-May, the grammar school in Haren, in cooperation with the Documentation and Community Centre Haren/Maczków (Dokumentations- und Begegnungszentrum Haren/Maczków) organised a staged reading based on the graphic novel “MACZKÓW. Eine deutsch-polnische Nachkriegsgeschichte” (“MACZKÓW. A German-Polish Postwar Story”). The graphic novel, written by Marta Schwierz, Rüdiger Ritter and Greta von Richthofen, was issued by PORTA POLONICA and published by the publishing house BeBra Verlag in March 2025. It combines historical events with a personal, albeit fictional, love story. The novel centres around the relationship between Anna, a Polish woman, and Johann, a German. Their love, which they are forced to keep a secret, is repeatedly put to the test, not only because of the hostilities between their home countries, but also as a result of personal losses, distrust, social norms and the harsh reality of the postwar period.
Six talented actors from the school’s theatre club, directed by Katrin Kleesiek-Herding, studied the graphic novel in depth and brought selected key scenes to the stage. Lighting and sound, as well as projections of historical images from the three years when Haren was known as Maczków created an impressive framework for the action. The actors’ performances were convincing, bringing the fictional story to life and transporting the audience back to the tense, conflict-ridden postwar period.
Dr. Rüdiger Ritter, co-author and historian at the Inselmühle documentation centre in Haren, put the historical background and individual events of the period between 1945 and 1948 into context. It was during this time that the British military government ordered the evacuation of Haren, and Polish displaced persons moved into the town, establishing their own Polish community, which they called “Maczków”. These explanations provided an important supplement to the scenes in the play.
Lykka Herding, a pupil in year 12, also contributed to the performance. She analysed the relationship between the characters and reflected on their conflicts and expectations, particularly in light of the hostility towards German-Polish relationships within society and among families during this time. In the previous weeks, as part of her coursework, she had examined in detail the extent to which the portrayal of the characters’ experiences can help promote mutual understanding between Poles and Germans. She focused particularly on the one-sided and rather unempathetic attitude among many locals in Haren towards the displaced persons, which for decades left little room for understanding and a more discerning view of what happened.
The performance was more than just an artistic portrayal of the past. The combination of fiction and real historical events, the proximity of the place and the action and the impressive degree to which the pupils were involved made the performance particularly special – especially since it took place in the assembly hall in the school; exactly the same place where the protagonist Anna took her “Abitur” school-leaving exams in Maczków.
While the graphic novel is exciting, moving and informative in other parts of Germany, Haren provides it with an opportunity to become part of the collective remembrance. It awakens memories that to date have only been passed down in stories within families, particularly by grandparents who lived through those times themselves. Certainly, the audience in the assembly hall also included locals from Haren who perhaps experienced the Maczków years at first hand.
At a time when contemporary witnesses are disappearing at an increasing rate, it becomes clear how important new forms of remembrance culture really are. As a medium, the graphic novel in particular opens new windows onto the subject which appeal to interested younger generations. This is especially true when for decades, the older generations have refused to talk.
The performance made it very clear how important it is to examine and talk about the past in order to maintain our awareness of history. It promotes understanding of a difficult chapter in history, enables a multi-faceted view and helps keep memories alive across the generations.
The performance was filmed by Caroline Wille. The film is available on the Gymnasium Haren website and via this article, and offers anyone interested the opportunity to experience this moving examination of the history of Maczków.
Lykka Herding, August 2025
