We have sent the following, slightly revised version to the Theatre group Schattenlichter Berlin sent. Sabrina Gohlischin her function as "Internal Communications Officer" at the theatre group Schattenlichter, could make a valuable contribution to this, as she is also a "Specialist in Internal Communications at Degewo" and can report on the internal processes at Degewo with regard to asbestos seems to be well informed.
A theatre play like this would be a valuable contribution to informing people about the dangers and at the same time draw attention to the decisions made by companies that can have fatal consequences for people. Take Degewo, for example, which failed to inform tenants about possible asbestos hazards in their flats.
Asbestos whispers: theatre play idea for the theatre group Schattenlichter Berlin
Scene 1: The decision to renovate
(The tenants, Peter and Lisa, sit at the dining table and discuss the renovation of their "new" Degewo rented flat).
Peter: (Resolutely) "Lisa, I can't stand how run-down the new flat is any more. We should renovate it."
Lisa: (Agreeing) "You're right, Peter. But can you afford it?"
Peter: (Convinced) "We could do it if we did it ourselves. New floors, a fresh bathroom, a new start. Plus, we can pass the flat on in the future."
(They decide to ask Degewo for permission to renovate.)
Scene 2: The renovation plans
(Peter and Lisa write a request for authorisation to Degewo).
Peter: (Writing) "We would like to completely renovate the bathroom, replace the floors in the living room and bedroom and redesign all the walls and ceilings."
Lisa: (Adding) "And we want to lay glued parquet."
(Degewo gives written and verbal consent to the renovation, the floor can be glued down as long as they find a new tenant).
Scene 3: The approved renovation
(The renovation begins, Peter and Lisa are full of enthusiasm).
Lisa: (Excited) "Finally, a fresh start in our flat!"
Peter: (Optimistic) "Yes, it's going to be great, Lisa."
(Degewo authorised the renovation in writing, but without pointing out the asbestos hazard).
Time jump: Years later, when moving out of the flat
(The tenants move out, Degewo refuses to pass on the flat due to pollution).
Tenant 2: (Annoyed) "Why can't we give the flat to someone else? We've invested so much time and money in renovating it."
Degewo representative: (Sober) "The flat is not rentable due to the pollution."
Tenant 1: (Stunned) "Pollution? Why didn't anyone tell us about this? What kind of pollution? Asbestos?"
Degewo representative: "We don't know, we first have to test for all the pollutants in the world."
Tenant 2: (Horrified) "That's irresponsible! You should have informed us beforehand!"
Scene 5: The interview with Paul Lichtenthäler
(Tenant 2 watches ARD programme in which Paul Lichtenthäler, press spokesman for Degewo, is interviewed about the risk of asbestos in rented flats).
Tenant 2: (Sceptical) "Let's see what the Degewo press spokesperson has to say."
Paul Lichtenthäler: (In an interview) "That's - with asbestos I always think it's a question of balance between causing hysteria or panic or unrest, let's call it unrest or sensible information. When I tell people Leave the floor alone, don't drill any holes in the wall, please stick to it because, well, if you keep to that, then you can live well in there. Then I think that's honestly enough."
Scene 6: 20 years later
(The scene shows Peter and Lisa in their house, both older but happy).
Lisa: (Thoughtfully) "Peter, do you remember the Degewo flat? All the stress and disappointment?"
Peter: (Sympathetically) "Yes, Lisa, how could I forget? But it was so long ago."
(Suddenly Lisa has difficulty breathing and starts coughing.)
Peter: (Worried) "Lisa, are you all right?"
Lisa: (Anxious) "I don't know, Peter, I can't breathe..."
(Peter calls an ambulance and Lisa is taken to hospital. After many examinations, she is diagnosed with pleural cancer, caused by the inhaled asbestos fibres in her old Degewo flat).
Doctor: (regretfully) "I'm sorry, Lisa, but your pleural cancer was most likely caused by exposure to asbestos in your old flat."
Lisa: (Tears in her eyes) "This can't be true..."
(Peter and Lisa now have to deal with the serious health consequences of asbestos exposure in their old flat. The scene ends with them consoling each other).
End of the theatre play
We would be delighted if the Schattenlichter Berlin theatre group would consider putting on such a play.
Of course, this is only a rough draft.