Schaubühne Berlin Returns To Enchant Shanghai

Schaubühne Berlin hopes to captivate Shanghai audiences again with its experimental theater aesthetics by staging the two works "Michael Kohlhaas" and "Richard III" at Theater YOUNG, as part of the ongoing 24th China Shanghai International Arts Festival.

British director Simon McBurney is collaborating with the German troupe for "Michael Kohlhaas," which will have its Asian debut on October 31 at the theater.

The play is adapted from the German literary classic of the same name by author Heinrich von Kleist. The protagonist is an honest and kind-hearted horse trader who encountered repeated obstacles and malicious harassment. He erupts in fury and resorts to extreme measures after his wife's murder.

Schaubühne Berlin transports the story from the 16th century to the present, employing modern techniques like real-time projections and mobile live streaming to probe issues such as the limits of justice and the legitimacy of revenge.

Kleist's original text has long, meaningful sentences with many layers. According to the actors, delivering long lines on stage quickly is like "leaping onto a speeding train – not a moment to pause or look back."

"At first glance, this seems like a story that can be summarized in one sentence," said actor Renato Schuch, who plays the lead role of Kohlhaas.

"However, Kleist's text constantly reveals new layers as we perform, demanding immense concentration. Yet the dynamic energy created through this collaboration on stage is truly exhilarating," he said.

Schaubühne Berlin's provocative production "Richard III" stars celebrated actor Lars Eidinger, unfolding a reimagined contemporary parable of power from November 7 to 9.

Shanghai audiences were impressed by Eidinger's "Hamlet" performance last year. In "Richard III," he will play a charming, brutal villain. Richard is cunning, captivating, and a reflection of our ambition and indifference.

The performances are in German with English and Chinese subtitles.

Performance info

• Michael Kohlhaas

Dates: October 31-November 1, 7:30pm; November 2, 2pm

Tickets: 180-680 yuan

• Richard III

Dates: November 7-8, 7:30pm; November 9, 2pm

Tickets: 180-880 yuan

Venue: Theater YOUNG

Address: 1155 Kongjiang Rd, Yangpu District 杨浦区控江路1155号