Der Verein – Schauspielhaus Wien

A small town suburb in Germany – Stefan grows up in this idyll of terraced houses. Between family strife and everyday school life, a third factor determines the young person’s life. His parents joined a free Christian community and it relies on a direct line to Jesus. No ritual pomp or dignitaries are allowed to come between the Savior and his sheep. The sheltered community has grown over the years. Who wouldn’t want to have the Savior himself as their best friend? But this friendship doesn’t come for free. The members must bear witness to each other about their lifestyle, their dreams, their desires. Anyone who disappoints Jesus is in danger of falling deeply. And Stefan has to fear that this is exactly what will happen to him. Because he dreams of the theater and he desires men, which neither the Messiah nor his community likes.

Author Steffen Link was an ensemble member at the Schauspielhaus Vienna until 2019. In his debut piece he tells of the exclusionary embrace of a community and of liberation. What starts out like stand-up comedy turns into a visually rich trip over the abyss. After working in Münster, Heidelberg and Berlin, director Theresa Thomasberger is now directing the film in her home city of Vienna for the first time.

Ensemble:
Tala Al-Deen l Iris Becher l Kaspar Locher l Sophia Löffler l Sissi Reich l Ursula Reiter l Maximilian Thienen

ENSEMBLE PLUS:
Nicola Gold, Yan Kaidalov, Isabella Kaussler l Laurenz Lindtner l Maria Lodjn l Michel Nussbaum l Alphi Ouschan l Klara Rabl l Felix Rotkehl l Aisha Futura Tüchler

TEAM
Director: Theresa Thomasberger
Stage and Costume Design: Mirjam Schaal
Music: Oskar Mayböck
Dramaturgy: Tobias Herzberg
Assistant Director: Melina Papoulia
Director Intern: Claus Hammer
Stage Intern: Marlene Oberneder

Opening at Schauspielhaus Wien: March 7th 2024

https://www.schauspielhaus.at/veranstaltung/der_verein