Mercedes Echerer, Walther Steindlegger & Christoph Petschina

This story leads into the world of Roma culture – to memories, encounters, and quiet questions of belonging, otherness, and identity. It begins with the memory of a person who stayed. For some people accompany us for a lifetime, some are temporarily lost, and some are gone forever. Some are idealized, some are forgotten, and some remain in memory.

"Her name was ROZSA, I never knew her last name. Aunt Rosza (Hungarian Rozsanéni) – my generation used to call all older ladies 'Aunt' – became part of our family. I never asked how she came to us, and today I can no longer ask anyone."

In her attempt to approach the unfamiliar, Mercedes Echerer intertwines historical facts with experiences, memories, and questions. The search for answers oscillates between truth and reality. Interwoven with this tapestry of scenes and stories are old songs in new arrangements, original compositions, and a generous pinch of jazz.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the recognition of Roma and Sinti as an ethnic group in Austria, this touching, nostalgic yet contemporary homage to what is still foreign is being presented for the first time at Semmering.