PRIMA FACIE - Theatre Day (half price), pre-show talk at 19:30

PRIMA FACIE
By Suzie Miller
Translated from English by Anne Rabe

"It has to change!"

Criminal defence lawyer Tessa Ensler is considered one of the best in her field - her speciality is defending men accused of rape. She expertly dismantles the credibility of victims, relying on the presumption of innocence as the bedrock of the legal system. Until she herself becomes a victim - and finds herself confronted with her own methods.

A powerful monologue that asks not about law, but about justice. As Australian playwright Suzie Miller puts it: "The female experience of sexualised violence does not fit into any system shaped by men." Miller, who previously worked as a human rights and criminal lawyer, created with Prima Facie a play that has caused a sensation worldwide since 2019, won numerous awards, been published as a novel, and is currently being adapted for film.

Johanna Engel plays Tessa Jane Ensler.

Premiere: 20 March 2026, 20:00
Further performances also at 20:00 - all shows except 2 and 9 July are sold out.
Pre-show talk at 19:30 | Duration: 1 hour 30 min

Full price 20 € / Concession 10.50 €
Zimmertheater Tübingen, Bursagasse 16

Director: Magdalena Schönfeld | Design: Rabea Stadthaus | Dramaturgy: Dr. Stefan Tigges

Note: This production deals with the subject of sexualised violence and includes descriptions of sexual assault and its psychological and physical effects. The helpline "Gewalt gegen Frauen" offers free, anonymous, round-the-clock support on 116 016 or online.

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Press reviews:

"The way Johanna Engel plays Tessa is outstanding. How she cowers and shudders, rages and grieves, triumphs and despairs - in keeping with the rapidly shifting emotions of this piece. She varies them with a voice of remarkable range. Handles dynamics and pace with skill. [...] This is a play of our time. Dark, sombre, and dramatic."