Is Anybody Out There? Learning to love after leaving a cult

Available for over a year

***This programme contains reference to child sexual abuse*** Werner and Katharina Schmidtke met in Chile in the notorious German sect, Colonia Dignidad. Growing up behind a massive guarded fence they wondered what they would find in the world outside - would it be a happier life away from the harsh rules and violence of the cult? Women and men were segregated, but they mixed during orchestra rehearsals. When the abusive sect leader, Paul Schäfer, went on the run from the law, the rules relaxed and relationships were permitted, and it was the 'joyful' flautist Katharina who caught Werner's eye. The couple left Colonia Dignidad and had to make sense of the strange new world beyond the fence together. Presenter: Asya Fouks Producer: Louise Morris Translators: Claas Wuerfel and Florence de Schlichting (Photo: Werner and Katharina Schmidtke who both played in the orchestra of the secretive German commune Colonia Dignidad; Credit: Werner Schmidtke)