Das Friedensfest

In this somber family drama, a Christmas evening in an isolated Brandenburg manor becomes a crucible for strained relationships and unspoken tensions. The spacious, white‑washed hall is filled with eclectic decorations—antique portraits, hunting trophies, and a chandelier of stag antlers—creating a strikingly theatrical backdrop that mirrors the characters’ inner turbulence. As members of the Scholz household move about, from the stern Dr. Fritz to the gentle Minna and their restless children, their interactions reveal a fragile veneer of hospitality that threatens to crack under the weight of past grievances.

The play opens with meticulous attention to detail: candles are set, a bare Christmas tree stands on stone tiles, and the household staff attend to mundane chores, all while the audience senses an undercurrent of unease. Through carefully crafted dialogue, the characters display a blend of outward composure and hidden desperation, hinting at deeper conflicts that will soon surface. The setting and the subtle choreography invite listeners to feel the quiet dread that pervades this seemingly festive gathering.