As of: February 1, 2024, 4:58 p.m
By: Katja Kraft
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Actor Carlo Ljubek plays a prisoner in the new Munich “Tatort”.
© Jens Hartmann
Actor Carlo Ljubek plays a prisoner in the new Munich “Tatort” on ARD.
An interview with Ljubek about teamwork, courage - and the happiness of freedom.
During the interview he wears a fabric flower on his lapel.
That suits Carlo Ljubek, this friendly person.
The actor, who, in addition to his engagement at the Deutsche SchauSpielHaus Hamburg, can often be seen in cinema (“Sophia, Death and I”) and television (“Safe”, “Sleeping Dogs”), was born in 1976 as the son of Croatian immigrants in North Rhine-Westphalia.
On February 4, 2024, he plays a prisoner in the Munich “Tatort”.
The film was shot in the Landshut JVA.
A conversation with Carlo Ljubek about teamwork, courage - and the happiness of freedom.
They filmed in the real prison. How was it?
Carlo Ljubek:
Depressing.
You fall into a world in which everyone is determined by others.
The reality of original locations leaves a deeper mark on me than a day of filming, on which I may play very emotional things, but fictional ones;
a story that I can step out of.
I can't just get out of this one, it's real.
Was it also a real cell that you played in?
Carlo Ljubek:
That was the backdrop.
I would have found playing in a real cell to be invasive towards the inmates.
I would have first wanted to ask each individual whether it was okay for him or her.
Because you are not deprived of your human rights when you are in prison.
Ex-con and inspector: Carlo Ljubek as a released prisoner in the “crime scene” with Franz Leitmayr (Udo Wachtveitl).
© Hendrik Heiden
Did this “crime scene” make you realize what a valuable asset freedom is?
Carlo Ljubek:
Indeed.
We all need to be aware of what democracy means and how much freedom there is within it.
This inhumane populism, which is becoming increasingly louder in this country, depresses me.
Many people forget how much work democracy and freedom are.
You should also start standing up for what you think among family and friends.
You don't always do that. Do you know that? You're sitting at the table with friends, someone says something dubious - and you think about it: Do I argue now or do I keep my mouth shut for a peaceful evening...
Carlo Ljubek:
Of course I know that. But I can't keep my mouth shut anymore.
Given the election forecasts for the AfD - I'm shocked.
We now have the task of doing everything we can to ensure that everyone here can continue to live in a free, democratic country and that the cruel German history does not repeat itself.
Even when it's difficult: we have to have the courage to stand up for our values.
Are you someone who doesn't shy away from conflict?
Carlo Ljubek:
I don't shy away from them.
Sometimes it would be wiser to pause for a moment before launching into a discussion.
But if I get too emotional, I can apologize afterwards.
In general, I try to remain objective.
Not to use the same language that is catching up with us.
But when there is injustice, I have to say something.
It's not always to my advantage, but it's always been that way in my life.
I'd like to talk about your wild vita anyway. You were first a great footballer at TSV 1860...
Carlo Ljubek:
... I was hoping that a lot more people would notice that I'm such a great footballer.
(Laughs.)
How did that come about?
Carlo Ljubek:
I went to a trial training session when I was 15 – and was there.
But I'm afraid I have to admit to myself: Maybe I wasn't very gifted.
(Laughs.)
But I was a big worker and very hardworking in the field.
Which position?
Carlo Ljubek:
Defensive midfield.
I worked, ran and was there for everyone.
The herding and herding dog.
Is that also your role on set: the caretaker?
Carlo Ljubek:
I try not to ignore the mood around me.
I like to help create an atmosphere in which everyone can work freely and productively.
Because I believe that creativity – in larger terms: life – can then grow better.
When you inspire each other, things can blossom.
I alone remain a fragile plant.
Like in football – you need a team.
Carlo Ljubek:
Yes, you need a team.
That was probably the reason why I was drawn to this acting world: I felt an energy there like in football - and then I fell into it.
You sit in the theater for the first time at the age of 21, think: That would appeal to me - and then you are immediately accepted at the Otto Falckenberg School!?
Carlo Ljubek:
That was a bit crazy.
I had a friend whose sister had a boyfriend and he was at the Ernst Busch
(College of Drama in Berlin)
.
People always raved so much about him - at some point I thought: If he can do it, I can do it too.
This is the romantic version.
The other is that I was looking for an alternative to football.
I was constantly injured, my body was no longer made for it...
... delicate plant.
Carlo Ljubek:
Exactly!
(Laughs.)
So I got my high school diploma, I had intermediate school leaving certificate and thought I had to prove that I could do more.
Many of my friends who, like me, have a migration background feel like they have to show that they can do something, ultimately: that they belong.
So I enrolled in German and history.
In my great naivety, I auditioned for Falckenberg, Ernst Busch and Folkwang - and was accepted everywhere.
You chose Munich – why?
Carlo Ljubek:
Because of the colleagues I met during the selection process.
They are still my friends to this day.
Our year group was a great group.
Another team.
Carlo Ljubek:
Exactly.
A familiarity was created at school, a development happened - it has stayed with us.
What have you learned from acting in general?
Carlo Ljubek:
I find that difficult to say.
I don't know what would have happened if I had become a car mechanic like I dreamed of as a child.
The acting profession is often very theoretical.
When I start with a text and have to take the first step of offering something in terms of acting - that's not always easy.
As much as I enjoy this job.
I always have to find the courage to throw myself into it.
This is probably something I learned through this job.
For example, I never used to be able to say “no”.
I can do that better and better now.
And you dare to get truly naked.
Carlo Ljubek:
Right.
I played naked in Michael Thalheimer's production of “The Broken Jug.”
That was Michael's and my idea - it's funny that people are so stupid as to suggest that themselves.
(Laughs.)
There are days when I don't like myself at all.
And I think to myself: Oh God, now I'm going to play naked in front of all these people for two hours.
But after a few minutes I completely forget about it.
To this day it is one of the most intensive jobs for me and one of the most beautiful.
You sound like someone who faces fears.
Carlo Ljubek:
I think that's true.
Here we are again at freedom.
I would like to go on a difficult mountain tour or go bungee jumping or skydiving.
I'm totally afraid of it - like many others - but I would like to expose myself to it.
Extreme situations that make me feel my freedom differently.
The happiness of being free and alive.
Scary – but also a gift.