Opening

Spanish journalist and writer Juan Goytisolo began to form his world view at a young age. It began to take shape during his exile in France during the Franco era and developed throughout his travels in North Africa, Cuba, the Near East and the USA. He is not only one of the most successful Spanish literary figures abroad, but is also widely known taking a critical political stance in his essays and articles. He has focused particularly on Islam and observed and commented on the conflicts in Bosnia and Chechnya. In his opening talk at the 10th international literature festival berlin, he will discuss how impressions of place can become texts.

GREETING: Cornelia Pieper, Joachim Sartorius, Bernd Scherer und Ulrich Schreiber

INTRODUCTION: Sigrid Löffler

MUSIC: Amos Elkana