The Streets of Wedding – The Musical

Ambassador William R. Timken, Jr.  

Max-Beckmann-Saal, Berlin
June 30, 2007

As prepared for delivery |  Deutsch



Frau Eva Koehler,

Minister and Frau Schaeuble,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Parents and students,

Welcome.  You are about to experience a very special performance. 

Todd Fletcher, the Executive and Artistic Director of PluralArts International, worked with 100 students from the Ernst Schering Oberschule and other young people from Wedding to put on this show.  The group came together in February to start writing, composing and performing an original piece of musical theater.  The result: “The Streets of Wedding – Das Musical.”  These young people have discovered and refined talents they never even dreamed they had.  I hope that along the way they also learned that they are capable of far more than they had ever imagined possible.  If they can put this show on, they can do anything. Nothing can hold them back.    

On behalf of the Embassy, our special thanks go to Todd Fletcher for his commitment to this project.  Todd, as a mentor to these young people, you have shared your expertise and your creativity.  We would also like to acknowledge the teachers and staff of the Ernst Schering Oberschule for their extraordinary efforts to make this project a reality.  Along with Todd and his team, you have given of yourselves on behalf of these kids.  This is one of the most generous gifts anybody can give. 

To all the young people on and behind the stage, thank you for your energy – and for sticking with this project.  It’s been a tremendous amount of work, but it’s been worth it.  This is a great show.  You should be very proud of what you’ve accomplished.

 

Many people and organizations worked to make this project a success.  I would like to mention just a few: PluralArts International, the Ernst Schering Oberschule, and the Atze Musical Theater for hosting this event here at the Max-Beckmann-Saal.  I would also like to thank the private sponsors who have helped make this performance possible.

 

Enjoy the evening.