The grand, traditional ‘German Staaatstheater’ is the source of inspiration for theatre makers Micha Goldberg & Rosie Sommers (Ne Mosquito Pas). The term ‘German state theatre’ stands for a type of theatre that developed under the leadership of directors (usually male) who staged socially relevant repertoire plays in collaboration with an ensemble of actors steadily employed by the theatres. 

Goldberg and Sommers question the monumentality and production logic behind this way of working, and see it as an absolute antithesis of their own contemporary theatre practice. They wonder whether this type of theatre is not a blueprint of the imperative working conditions in our capitalism-driven society as a whole.

The show responds with humour to a German tradition that is familiar in the theatre world, without falling into clichés and resorting to predictable parities. On the contrary, it tries to match its seriousness, dedication and intensity. In full dedication, including their own viewpoint into perspective, the makers utilize the often-exaggerated style of classical theatre acting to celebrate its absurdity. 

Thirteen actors collectively create a series of intense, absurdist scenes that magnify people’s exhaustion in order to point up the overwork in our society. They take the compelling working conditions that are familiar on shop floors in countless sectors and turn them into a nonstop slapstick of people under high stress, whose dedication to acting like they think ‘professionals’ should act ultimately becomes grotesque. 

GERMAN STAATSTHEATER is a tornado of panic that turns into humour and self-mockery, only to ultimately reveal the strength of our society. Here, theatre is a place to celebrate ‘wasted’ energy, in the form of exuberant fun. 

A powerful, contrarian but absolutely generous show.