Milo Rau's spectacular theatrical trial formats have long been considered classics of political theater. In Hamburg, the director, author, and festival director is now tackling the current state of affairs in a trial against Germany, together with Mia Massmann and Robert Misik. Is it possible, or even legally necessary, to ban the AfD because it “aggressively and militantly” threatens democracy? Does it continue to violate the Basic Law by fighting the freedom of expression of its critics with all means at its disposal? These questions will be at the center of the legal-theatrical investigation, as will the abuse of the law through SLAPP lawsuits and the world of techno-fascism, Silicon Valley's MAGA propaganda machine, and the media ecosystem of right-wing extremist brainwashing—in Germany and internationally. Do the propaganda and pro-Russian networks of the New Right even fulfill the elements of a crime such as “conspiracy to commit treason”?
As a hybrid of hard realism and social sculpture, Milo Rau's theatrical discourse formats create “a forum far removed from political trench warfare” (SRF). The actors are not actors, but real top lawyers, real prosecutors, real defense attorneys, and experts, protagonists, scandal figures, influencers, affected parties, and victims. The Vienna Trials of the 2024 Vienna Festival season were celebrated as “orgies of listening” and “the talk of the town in Vienna” (Süddeutsche Zeitung).
The three-day trial can be attended in its entirety or in individual parts—each session reveals new aspects.
Production Thalia Theater
Concept & Direction Milo Rau
Research, Casting & Dramaturgy Mia Massmann, Robert Misik
Video Concept Moritz von Dungern
Dates
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