A Transition in Düsseldorf: Elfriede Jelinek's linguistic art meets political theater
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Elfriede Jelinek's „A Transition“: A powerful evening about transformation and the human essence
On October 31, 2026, the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus presents Elfriede Jelinek's new play „A Transition“ on stage. The direction by Jossi Wieler examines with sharp wit, dark foreboding, and linguistic radicalism the transitions between human and animal, war and peace, dictatorship and democracy.
A linguistic art between present and history
Jelinek's text questions where the transformation of the human essence leads. Rich in associations, the play follows the movements of the linguistic unconscious and connects historical memory with the political present. The literary material revolves around human beasts, animal traits, ghosts, and revenants, as well as the fragile hope for societal reason.
Transformations as a theatrical principle
„A Transition“ does not conceive transitions as a linear development but as a disturbing movement. Humans become beasts, animals become humans; political systems change their form while war and peace pressingly succeed each other. This narrative openness imparts a peculiar tension to the play between grotesque, historical analysis, and dark oracle.
Jossi Wieler and Anna Viebrock at the center of the premiere
Director Jossi Wieler is one of the key and award-winning directors of Jelinek's works. For „A Transition“, he once again collaborates with stage and costume designer Anna Viebrock. The premiere at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus marks the 80th birthday of the 1946-born Nobel laureate Elfriede Jelinek.
A literary experience in the Small House
The reading atmosphere of a Jelinek language transforms here into a concentrated theater experience: voices, bodies, stage space, and costumes encounter a text surface of high literary quality. The audience does not expect a comfortable lesson, but a linguistically critical engagement with German essence, political memory, and the recurring faith in progress.
Conclusion: An evening for awake senses
„A Transition“ connects contemporary theater, political reflection, and radical linguistic art. Those wanting to experience Elfriede Jelinek's literary methods live in an award-winning directorial style will find an evening full of friction, transformation, and thoughtful aftereffects at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus.
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- Publisher: https://www.rowohlt-theaterverlag.de/theaterstueck/ein-uebertritt-8885
