Individuals rephrase phrases from sources. Maintain any identifiers if spotted. Preserve the brevity of the text. The length should stay the same as the given input. Avoid inserting remarks from yourself. Rewrite the text: People rephrase statements from various sources. - Cultural program commemorating Andi Brehme at EM.
In 1990, during a sweltering summer, Andreas Brehme stood out on the field at a stadium in Rome and thundered the ball into the net. This decisive penalty kick made Germany the world champions against Argentina, turning Brehme into a legendary World Cup scorer. A adolescent boy admiring from a beach in Istanbul at that very moment felt an intense connection with the moment.
Nearly a quarter of a century later, this former fan has set up a monument in remembrance of Brehme. The play "Andi Brehme" had its premiere in Munich as a staged reading on Monday evening. Created by director Nuran David Callis, the play is part of the EM cultural program at the "Stadium of Dreams." Actor Rufus Beck and Veronica Ferres bring the story to life, reading from the tablets in the performance.
In the play, a 14-year-old boy named Apo relives the joy of Germany's victory in 1990 with a nostalgic and introspective vibe, similar to the tactics of the World Cup coach Franz Beckenbauer. Apo discovers the mysterious Helena on the beach, whose mythical abduction had set off the Trojan War. They engage in conversation and identify unpredicted parallels between Brehme and the Greek hero Odysseus.
Apo also notes similarities between Brehme's life and his grandparents, Turkish migrants in Germany. They had traveled far to be in the right place at the right time. Beck shares, "He always made his own way without ever leaving his fate up to the gods."
The play concludes with a poignant tribute to Brehme: "In memory of Andi Brehme, who was called back by the gods before his time."
After the performance, Callis reflects on how influential the German national team's win in 1990 was for him, how much he identified with the team – particularly with Brehme ("I was so elated in 1990"). The emergence of the deadly, racist attacks in Mölln and Solingen in the years that followed came as a staggering shock. His family members were left petrified, fearing for their lives.
In times when anti-foreign sentiment is dominating the news with alarming frequency, Callis emphasizes the need for those committed to an inclusive society to be more vocal and active.
The "Stadium of Dreams" in Munich showcases a diverse cultural program until the end of the European Championship on July 14. Some of the events include music, readings, theater performances, cabaret, concerts, and discussions panels. Munich is also one of the famous host cities for the European Championship, with the opening match against Scotland on June 14. Following this will be five more games, including a semi-final game on July 9.
