An Inside Look: Wer hat Angst vor Virginia Woolf in Hamburg
Last week, Theatre Trip had the chance to see Wer hat Angst vor Virginia Woolf? (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in English) in Hamburg, Germany. This was my first time ever seeing the play, and it was also in German, which is my second language. The play was directed by Karin Beier and starred Josefine Israel, Matti Krause, Maria Schrader, and Devid Striesow.
At a Glance
🗺️ Location: Hamburg, Germany
📍 Venue: Deutsches Schauspielhaus➝
📅 Dates: 2019
🎭 Type of Show: Play
🌐 Language: German
⏰ Runtime: 2hrs
About Wer hat Angst vor Virginia Woolf?
Wer Hat Angst vor Virginia Woolf? is a classic play by Edward Albee that puts the complexities of marriage under a magnifying glass. The story takes place over one long evening, and it follows George and Martha as they come home from a faculty party. From there, Martha lets George know that she has invited a younger couple to come over for a drink. And that’s where things get interesting.
The chemistry between these four was undeniable! As the story unfolds, one drink turns to many, which leads to a string of not-so-great decisions. It’s hard to highlight a single actor that stole the show, as all four of them just lived and breathed their roles for the duration of the night.
One of my favorite things about this play is that it sheds the illusion of perfect relationships, and it opens the door to an intimate space. And Karin Beier, the show’s director, was not afraid to explore that vulnerability. She directed this piece beautifully and honestly. And although there is an undeniable darkness to the piece, there were so many wonderfully unexpected bursts of humor sprinkled throughout.
So what exactly does this night of drinking lead to? Brokenness, heartbreak, provocation, acceptance, forgiveness… I won’t say much else about where the night goes just in case the play is new for you. But I will say that this is absolutely a great production to catch. Just be prepared to experience a whole range of emotions as your attachment for these four grows.
About the Deutsches Schauspielhaus
The Deutsches Schauspielhaus has been presenting theatre in Hamburg since 1901 and is owned by the city. In addition to its productions for adults, the theatre offers a variety of programming for young audiences, including dedicated shows, theatre camps, and training programs for children.
What to Know Before You Go
Most shows at the Deutsches Schauspielhaus are performed in German. If you don’t speak the language but would still like to experience a performance here, I’d recommend getting familiar with the play beforehand so you have a better sense of the story and can follow along more easily.
* The featured image is by Arno Declair.
* A special thanks to Deutsches Schauspielhaus Hamburg for inviting us to the show!
Join Theatre Thursday for updates and information on Theatre Trip and musical theatre!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip and the author of The Thespian’s Bucket List. She is also the creator of The Cast Album List. Her background includes a BA in Theatre, a TESOL Drama certificate, and professional experience in Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.
