ATZE Musiktheater: The Captain of Köpenick

To break the vicious circle of "keene Arbeit -> keene Uffenthaltsjenehmigung -> keene Wohnung -> keenen Pass -> keene Arbeit...", Wilhelm Voigt showed in a charming, almost humorous way with his Köpenickiade that senseless obedience is not a good basis for our living together. In the play, it is Marie, Wilhelm's sister, who tells the story. She tells of her brother Wilhelm, who is chased out of the house as a youth and lands behind bars for the first time for begging. And of how, despite all the setbacks, he strives to become an honest member of society. At some point, however, Voigt realizes that in some societies you can only become someone if you already are someone. And so it came to pass...

The Köpenickiade became world famous, the career and motivations of Wilhelm Voigt did not. Director Thomas Sutter changes that and turns the spotlight on the man behind the famous anecdote, on his past and his conflicts. The gravity of the themes is cleverly broken up again and again in the production by tipping points in the music, stage and costume design. Oriental instruments perforate the sounds of Prussian military music, uniforms become clownish civil servant robes, and the minimalist stage design constantly transforms, though it represents anything but freedom. An accompanying video installation becomes a silent storyteller in the background.

"The Captain of Koepenick"

Friday, September 08, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, September 09, 2023 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 7:30 pm

In the air castle Tempelhofer Feld