Angst essen Seele auf (TraNET-Festival - Clashing Classics)

The phrase resonates deeply with anyone familiar with German history. However, the echoes of 1933 are becoming increasingly louder. In this biting satire, a mirror is held up to society, revealing current social trends.

She: Over 60 a widow of German decent, he: 20 years younger, a Maroccan, and speaks stunted German. A liason that caused a scandal in the 1970s Germany, and which even today, 70 years later could play out very similary. Their relationship, even before marriage, is met with intense resentment from their children, colleagues, shopkeepers, and neighbours, manifesting as anger, hatred, and insults. The couple grapples with numerous challenges unfamiliar to Germans without a migration background. With sharp wit and ironic twists, the audience is challenged to reflect on their own prejudices and stereotypes.

The director made the significant decision to cast actresses who are themselves migrant workers coming to Germany from various countries such as Chile, Spain, Morocco, the United States, Austria, etc. This choice allowed her to find a medium through which to talk about the theme of labour migration in the 1970s. In this way, current social issues are connected to historical experiences.

The performance is part of TraNET-Festival “Clashing Classics”, initiated by the theatre ensemble multicultural city e.V..

Three cities, three theatres, and three unforgettable productions, all connected by a single festival that brings Europe together. CLASHING CLASSICS Festival is a celebration of Europe’s common cultural heritage and a glimpse into a future of live performance.

multicultural city e.V., BerlinOne of the focal points of the Berlin-based theatre group multicultural city e.V. is the development of experimental theatrical forms resulting from the encounter of different cultures. Artists from all over the world are offered the opportunity to work together.

Monika Dobrowlanska is a theatre and opera director, author, university lecturer in theatre, winner of the Tournesol prize at the 2017 Festival d'Avignon. She sees herself as a European director and successfully combines different theatrical traditions in her productions.