51. Mülheimer Theatertage: "Der Girschkarten" von Lukas Rietzschel

In the organizer's words:

Nominated for the 2026 Mülheim Drama Prize: "Der Girschkarten" by Lukas Rietzschel

Last year, the East German author Lukas Rietzschel (born 1994) was nominated for the Mülheim Theatre Days with "The Exemplary Life of Samuel W."; the docu-drama about an extreme right-wing politician was based on interviews. His new play is based on Chekhov's comedy "The Cherry Orchard". A Russian country estate becomes a dilapidated cottage in the German provinces that is to be sold. The children and grandchildren have traveled from the big city to sign the contract, but the old mother is opposed on the spot. In the end, it becomes clear that Chekhov is not just being overwritten here, but turned on its head. A play about family, capitalism and other problematic systems. (Wolfgang Kralicek, selection committee "Plays" 2026)

The Girsch Cards
Comedy based on Anton Chekhov
Lukas Rietzschel

Production of the Schauspiel Leipzig

With: Thomas Braungardt, Vanessa Czapla, Katja Gaudard, Tilo Krügel, Dirk Lange, Lisa-Katrina Mayer, Niklas Wetzel

Director and stage: Enrico Lübbe
Costumes: Teresa Vergho
Music: Peer Baierlein, Thibault Madeline
Dramaturgy: Torsten Buß
Video: Matthias Gruner Matthias Gruner
Lighting: Veit-Rüdiger Griess
Sound: Udo Schulze

A work commissioned by Schauspiel Leipzig

Sensory stimuli: Stroboscopic light is used in this production.

Afterwards: sound in the Makroscope. After the performance and the audience discussion on May 23, you can end the evening in a relaxed atmosphere in the Makroscope. Share your theater experiences over a drink while various DJs spin for you.

All information about the play and the entire program of the 51st Mülheim Theatre Days at: stuecke.de