The German State Theatre Timișoara (TGST) presents the premiere of the project “Drama Nights 1&2”, an event dedicated to contemporary dramaturgy from the German-speaking world, bringing together four distinct performances within a unified concept. The premiere will take place on April 30, 2026, at the future Atelier Hall of the German State Theatre Timișoara (2 Cuvin Street), marking a new stage in the exploration of contemporary dramaturgy and innovative theatrical forms. Subsequently, the four performances will be divided into two programs, “Drama Night 1” and “Drama Night 2”, which will be presented to the public on the following two evenings, May 1 and May 2, respectively.
Conceived as a scenic laboratory of current forms and themes, “Drama Nights 1&2” brings to the forefront four different texts and theatrical universes, united by a shared concern for the political, social, and intimate tensions of the present. Drama Nights 1&2 were created in a democratic, collective manner, and the selection of the texts was made by the actors and actresses.
“LAIOS” (directed by Alexandru Mihăescu)
Inspired by Greek mythology, the performance explores the figure of King Laios in a contemporary key, questioning the relationship between power, fate, and responsibility. In a Thebes marked by instability, the choice of a leader becomes the starting point for a reflection on abuse, tradition, and human fragility.
“LIEBE / LOVE” (directed by Irisz Kovacs)
An apparently ordinary couple’s story that gradually becomes unsettling, following the relationship between Olivia and Popeye, two expatriates in Germany. The performance investigates alienation, cultural differences, and subtle imbalances in contemporary relationships, within an atmosphere that drifts toward mystery and tension.
“DOSENFLEISCH / CANNED MEAT” (directed by Clemens Bechtel)
A drama with thriller elements, set in a gas station on the side of a highway, where reality begins to fracture. Ferdinand Schmalz’s text proposes an unconventional investigation into isolation, modern infrastructure, and impersonal relationships in an accelerated world.
“DIE POLITIKER / THE POLITICIANS” (collective direction)
A hybrid text at the intersection of poetry and theatre, deconstructing political discourse through repetition and absurdity. The performance offers a playful yet critical reflection on language, ideology, and the role of the individual in society.
“GERMAN SONG NIGHT” – the musical component
The project is complemented by “German Song Night”, a live musical moment performed by Dana Borteanu and Roxana Ardeleanu, bringing German repertoire to the forefront in an intimate and expressive format. Inserted into the structure of the evenings, this concert creates a sensitive counterpoint to the dramatic tensions of the performances and contributes to the artistic coherence of the overall project.
“Drama Nights 1&2” forms a theatrical mosaic oscillating between the tragic, the absurd, the poetic, and the experimental, offering the audience an immersive and thought-provoking experience. The project addresses themes such as the conflict between individual freedom and collective responsibility, contemporary alienation, and the tensions between progress and conservatism.
Through “Drama Nights 1&2”, TGST continues to support contemporary creation and international artistic dialogue, offering the audience in Timișoara access to some of the most relevant voices in today’s European theatre.
Cast: Yannick Becker, Ioana Iacob, Marc Illich, Ida Jarcsek-Gaza, Alexandru Mihăescu, Simona Vintilă, Radu Vulpe, Isa Berger, Enikő Blénessy, Daniel Ghidel, Aida Olaru, Alma Diaconu / Silvia Török, Tatiana Sessler-Toami, Olga Török, Franz Kattesch, Richard Hladik, Isolde Cobeț, Boris Gaza, Rareș Hontzu, Bülent Özdil, Daniela Török, Oana Vidoni, Harald Weisz, Dana Borteanu, Roxana Ardeleanu.
The concept and coordination of the project are by Irisz Kovacs and Clemens Bechtel; set design by Ioana Popescu; choreography by Victoria Medvedeva; dramaturgy by Mira Țâra; musical coaching by Roxana Ardeleanu; and makeup by Bojița Ilici.
For more details, please visit the TGST website: https://teatrulgerman.ro/ro/
