Reform oder Revolution?

29 March 2025 | Leibniz Centre for Literary and Cultural Research, Eberhard-Lämmert-Saal, entrance Meierottostr. 8, 10719 Berlin

The persecution and murder of Jean Paul Marat performed by the acting group of the Charenton Hospice under the guidance of Mr de Sade is the full title of the play that made the German-Swedish author Peter Weiss world-famous overnight in the mid-1960s. To mark the 60th anniversary of the premiere of MARAT/SADE at the Schillertheater in West Berlin, the independent theatre Gegendruck is now presenting its production of the modern classic as a staged reading at the ZfL. In MARAT/SADE, patients at the Charenton Sanatorium bring the French Revolution to the stage under the direction of the Marquis de Sade. At the centre of the play is the ongoing conflict between the revolutionary Marat and the Marquis de Sade. Revolution or reform? How prudently or boldly should or can a society respond to challenges? Individualism and enjoyment of life are pitted against the need to fight for a fundamentally different world. MARAT/SADE is a wild mix of tragedy and farce, of "theatre within theatre" and historical drama. The independent theatre Gegendruck from Recklinghausen is known for its productions of plays by Peter Weiss, among others. The ensemble for the staged reading includes Desiree Baier (puppetry) and Claudius Reimann (live music). Admission is free, registration is not necessary.