Heinrich Mann's novel "Der Untertan" describes the careerist Diederich Hessling's path from childhood to the zenith of his success. This character study from the beginning of the 20th century is frighteningly contemporary. We see a main character who learns to make clever use of hierarchies, to deny himself in order to please others and to bully those who seem weaker than himself. Now "Der Untertan" comes to the stage of the Altonaer Theater as a contemporary play and is questioned as to its timelessness. Karin Drechsel's production examines the novel with a focus on how one becomes a subject and what possible consequences this can have for society. An evening about dealing with hierarchies, fear of modernity and the need for groundbreaking authority.
Director and stage direction: Karin Drechsel
Stage and costumes: Christine Grimm
Video: Brigitta Jahn
Dramaturgy: Gregor Schuster
With Len Bartens, Marlon Hangmann, Ben Daniel Jöhnk, Kathrin Ost, Anne Schieber and Miriam Schiweck
Premiere on October 12, 2025
Performances until November 22, 2025
Price information:
Reduced tickets are available from €13*. For more detailed price information, please contact the box office at tickets@altonaer-theater.de or call 040 3990 5870. *Only valid on certain days of the week. Subject to change without notice.