Event: The legacy of Jula Radt-Cohn

Following the successful afternoon event of 17 December 2024, the Special Collections Department of the University of Groningen Library is once again organising a gathering dedicated to the legacy of Professor Stefan Radt (1927–2017).

This time, the focus will be on his mother, Jula Radt-Cohn (1894–1982). She played an important role in the youth movement in Berlin between 1910 and 1930, was active in the literary circle around author Stefan George and worked as a sculptor. In 1937, she fled to the Netherlands with her husband Fritz and son Stefan. The family survived the occupation in hiding.

Through Jula’s books and documents, the event will explore her life and work. Speakers from Berlin and Groningen will give short lectures, and a small exhibition will be on display. Students will also perform a short play inspired by Jula’s activities and interests. After the programme, visitors are welcome to select from duplicate books - as Professor Radt had wished.

The event will be held in English.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

Programme

15:00-15:10 Welcome and introduction (Evert Jan Reker, Special Collections, University of Groningen Library)

15:10-15:30 Jula: A Life in Books (Evert Jan Reker)

15:30-15:50 Unfolding the Life and Work of Jula Cohn-Radt (Daniela Aharon, TU Berlin)

15:50-16:10 Frame it like Jula! The Photographic Talent of a Sculptor (Lorenz Kienzle, Berlin)

16:10-16:25 Intermezzo: Dante - Divina Commedia (Play: Rina Copinga, Aymon Cutileiro, Anna Koopmans & David Lettink; Text & direction: Tom Withaar)

16:25-16:40 Short break with drinks and exhibition viewing

16:40-17:00 The Hidden Muse: Jula Cohn in the Writings of Walter Benjamin (Ursula Marx, Walter Benjamin Archive, Berlin)

17:00-17:20 Beauty and Myth in Benjamin’s Reading of Die Wahlverwandtschaften (Thijs Lijster, University of Groningen)

17:20-18:00 Drinks and snacks