For the opening of the Dramatist Festival 2024, we have invited the winner of the alternative Nobel Peace Prize Phyllis Omido to Graz, who tackles questions around the waste of resources, and the fault lines and scars this creates. The work of the Kenyan environmental activist was awarded the alternative Nobel Peace Prize (= Right Livelihood Award) in 2023, which is considered a pioneering example of people's right to a clean and healthy environment. In particular, Phyllis Omido is committed to the justice and health of the residents of Owino-Uhuru, who have been massively affected by lead poisoning since the commissioning of a recycling plant for used batteries.

But what can art contribute? Ferdinand Schmalz addresses this question in his speech and reflects on the tasks and possibilities of art in the context of these irreversible changes.

Hang player, percussionist and composer Manu Delago drew attention to himself in 2023 with his 1425-kilometer bike concert tour in the name of sustainability and opens the festival with a musical contribution.