Even before the construction of the Theater am Klieversberg, Wolfsburg's theater life took place in temporary settings. Almost exactly 50 years ago, as a student, I attended a performance of Lessing's play "Nathan the Wise" at what was then the Imperial Cinema, starring Attila Hörbiger, one of the greatest German-speaking actors of the 20th century. Nathan famously answered the question posed to him in this play, which of the three major religions was truly true, with the famous parable of the ring. The answer given therein does not indicate the superiority of one religion over others, nor does it refer to the respective religious content or dogmatic tenets. Rather, what is crucial is mutual respect, tolerance, and understanding as the foundation of human coexistence, as well as a charitable spirit. This wise poem by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, presented by such a brilliant actor, this unique explanation of the concept of "tolerance," made a great impression on me at the time. This exhibition includes an album with memorabilia from this performance, which took place on October 14, 1968. I also kept the reviews of it in the two Wolfsburg daily newspapers. "Tolerare" in Latin means something like "to endure, to bear." Translated as "forbearance," tolerance sounds a bit less radiant. Those who tolerate something essentially endure what does not correspond to their own views or way of life. Tolerance is thus a mental attitude that reflects and commands respect for the diversity of people, the plurality of opinions, and the right to have one's own opinion, even to practice a religion. It does not necessarily lead to a society free of conflict, but it certainly leads to a society free of violence, to a better world. Tolerance is one of the indispensable values of human coexistence. This should be continually brought to public awareness and, above all, sustainably conveyed to the younger generation.
