WORD BY WORD – a total recitation of the universal declaration of human rights • a project by gerhard rühm

All Viennese and all visitors to the city are cordially invited to take part in this unique and quite daring action to raise their voices together with Gerhard Rühm in favour of humanity and freedom of fundamental rights.

On Saturday 22 February from 11:00 (until approx. 17:00) in front of the Volkstheater portal with Gerhard Rühm and over 1,400 people

Almost 77 years ago, the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ was adopted, describing for the first time rights that (should) apply to everyone, at all times and everywhere in the world. For Gerhard Rühm, this declaration belongs at the top of all written manifestos of mankind. And so Rühm wanted to present this manifesto in a form ‘that would give the cause the broadest possible impact’. This is how he came up with the equally succinct and spectacular form of participation by over 1,000 contributors, who speak the text together one after the other ‘word for word’ in the spirit of this spiritual solidarity and ‘in times of political instability and the blatant shift to the right, it is important to use this wonderfully daring project by the great Gerhard Rühm to jointly and loudly remind everyone of the freedom and basic rights of all people. Together with all Viennese and guests in the city, we can once again send a clear signal: All together against fascism!’ says Volkstheater director Kay Voges.

Article 1 ‘All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and shall act towards one another in a spirit of solidarity.’

One by one, over 1,000 performers will carry the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’, which dates back to 1948, unmistakably into the public urban space in front of the entrance to the Volkstheater. ‘The realisation of this artificial concept would be a cultural and socio-political feat of universal significance,’ says Gerhard Rühm.

The sound recording made during the action will subsequently be assembled in such a way that – according to Rühm’s idea – ‘a self-contained prose text will be created, which will be broadcast on the radio and will also manifest itself as an installation in a suitable location with a large audience. The effect must in all likelihood be overwhelming,’ says the playwright.

Gerhard Rühm (li.) Photo: Frank Paul

Gerhard Rühm is a legend of the Austrian post-war avant-garde. On 12 February, the poet, playwright, draughtsman, collagist, conceptualist, performer and pianist celebrates his 95th birthday!

To mark the occasion and in view of the political developments in Austria, Germany, the USA and many other countries around the world, the Volkstheater and TONSPUR Kunstverein Wien are joining forces to realise a universalist art project by Gerhard Rühm.

Georg Weckwerth, Artistic Director of TONSPUR Kunstverein Wien, is also delighted with the joint project: ‘When Gerhard Rühm told me about his utopia a year ago, I immediately realised that I wanted to make it a reality. I am very grateful to Kay Voges and the Volkstheater that it didn’t take long to agree to a joint realisation. WORT FÜR WORT will be an event of togetherness and of standing up together for universal values in times of ever-increasing polarisation in politics and society.’