Theaterhaus Vaihingen e.V.: "Der Besuch der alten Dame" - by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

The small town of Güllen is broke. Once counted among Europe's cultural cities, its residents now survive on soup kitchens while all their possessions have been seized. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Claire Zachanassian - certain she will help put the town back on its feet. Alfred Ill, an old acquaintance of Claire's, is tasked with personally asking his former sweetheart for the millions the impoverished town so desperately needs.

In his welcoming speech, the mayor praises Claire Zachanassian - formerly known as Kläri Wäscher - as merciful, charitable, and devoted to justice. She promises to give the town and its citizens one billion, on a single condition: Ill must be delivered to her dead. The mayor indignantly rejects the offer on the town's behalf. The citizens of Güllen, however, are already spending as if the money is theirs - buying on credit, convinced that better times have finally arrived.

Ill slowly comes to realize that his fellow citizens' greed will seal his fate. Years ago he wronged Claire: he denied paternity of the child they had conceived together and bribed witnesses in court. Now he must face the town assembly. Will the community choose the money - or Ill's life?

Produced with the generous financial support of Ensinger Mineral-Heilquellen GmbH.