The story takes us back to the 1930s: Kaspar and Wilhelm, two apprentices from Krefeld, are close friends and spend every minute together. Their everyday life is characterised by the strict regime in the apprentices' home - until Kaspar meets Franz one evening and discovers feelings within himself that were life-threatening at the time. Between friendship, desire and fear, a moving coming-of-age story unfolds in a world where love between men was considered a crime.
The event began with a brief introduction to the historical context and information on the sources used by author Simone Saftig. Only a few fragments of queer life in Krefeld during the Nazi era have survived, mostly from the perspective of the perpetrators. The play impressively picks up on this contrast and makes visible what is missing in the Gestapo files: interpersonal relationships, feelings, insecurities and quiet moments of closeness.
The theatre performance thrived on its intense atmosphere. The historic Südbahnhof railway station provided an impressive backdrop that drew the audience directly into the story. The three actors Victor Maria Diderich, Fabio Rio Stolp and Jonah Winkler delivered outstanding performances in a play that lasted almost two and a half hours and was captivating and moving. The play was directed by Marvin Wittiber.
We would like to thank the support association Villa Merländer e. V. and the Düsseldrama theatre collective for the successful cooperation and the opportunity to accompany this great project.
