"Die schmutzigen Hände" von Jean-Paul Sartre, Gastspiel im Hamburger Theater Festival

In the organizer's words:

Hamburg Theater Festival

THE DIRTY HANDS
by Jean-Paul Sartre

A production of the Schauspielhaus Zürich

As if the play had only just been written: With its existential questions about morality and politics, Sartre's "The Dirty Hands" from 1948 is more topical than ever and makes a strong exclamation mark at the start of the festival. The Zurich performance sees a reunion with the great Wolfram Koch as the thinking, guiding political personality Hoederer. In his young party colleague Hugo (Steven Sowah), he finds an adversary who questions the decisions of the experienced politician. Hugo wants to fight for justice. But what is justice and how radical can or must one be in order to achieve ideals?

Hoederer's intended alliance of convenience with his opponents displeases his radical party members, which is why they decide to get rid of him. In order to finally do something tangible, Hugo takes on the job of murdering Hoederer and takes up residence in his house with his wife Jessica (Carol Schuler). Driven by idealistic thoughts of revolution, he meets an experienced and fascinating real politician who causes his loyalty to principle to waver.

Jean-Paul Sartre's play is a timeless political thriller about power, morality and humanity, a clear-sighted reflection on trust and fear, responsibility and freedom.

With: Wolfram Koch, Carol Schuler, Steven Sowah, Lena Schwarz, Thomas Wodianka, Gottfried Breitfuss

Director: Jan Bosse, stage design: Moritz Müller, costume design: Kathrin Plath, music and sound design: Arno Kraehahn, lighting: Frank Bittermann, dramaturgy: David Heiligers

All information about the Hamburg Theater Festival 2025