Ohnsorg Theater to Stage "The German Lesson" in Celebration of Siegfried Lenz’s Centenary

The renowned Ohnsorg Theater in Hamburg is set to honor the 100th birthday of celebrated German author Siegfried Lenz (1926-2014) with a stage adaptation of his most famous novel, "The German Lesson," during its upcoming season. Titled "Deutschstunde – Biller in Flammen" (The German Lesson – Biller in Flames), the production promises a compelling exploration of the novel’s profound themes.

Anke Kell, the artistic director of the Ohnsorg Theater, emphasized the significance of "The German Lesson" within Lenz’s extensive body of work. She stated that the novel, which delves into the complex interplay of morality, guilt, duty, and responsibility, stands as "by far his most well-known and successful work." This declaration underscores the enduring power and relevance of Lenz’s narrative, which continues to resonate with readers and audiences decades after its initial publication.

The play will transport audiences to a small North German village during the tumultuous years of the Second World War. The narrative centers around Jens Ole Jepsen, a policeman fiercely loyal to the prevailing regime. Jepsen receives a seemingly straightforward but ultimately morally fraught order: to enforce a ban on painting imposed upon Max Ludwig Nansen, an expressionist artist and Jepsen’s former close friend. This sets the stage for a gripping conflict between personal loyalty and adherence to the dictates of a totalitarian state.

The perspective through which this drama unfolds is that of Siggi, Jepsen’s son. From a young age, Siggi has been intimately acquainted with Nansen and his art. He becomes a witness to the agonizing moral dilemma faced by his father and the profound consequences of his actions. Siggi finds himself caught in a web of conflicting emotions as he grapples with the opposing forces of obedience and rebellion. The boy’s internal struggle mirrors the broader societal turmoil of the time, highlighting the corrosive effects of ideological rigidity and the importance of artistic freedom.

"The German Lesson" is a powerful indictment of the dangers of blind obedience and the suppression of artistic expression. Through the characters of Jepsen and Nansen, Lenz explores the devastating consequences of prioritizing duty to the state over personal conscience and human connection. The novel prompts audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about the nature of morality, the responsibility of individuals within oppressive systems, and the enduring power of art to challenge authority.

The Ohnsorg Theater’s decision to stage "The German Lesson" is particularly timely, given the ongoing global debates surrounding freedom of speech, censorship, and the role of art in shaping public discourse. By bringing this important work to the stage, the theater aims to spark dialogue and encourage critical reflection on these crucial issues.

In addition to the artistic merits of the production, the Ohnsorg Theater is also celebrating positive trends in its audience attendance figures. According to Michael Lang, the theater’s artistic director, the number of visitors has been steadily increasing since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lang reported that "the average occupancy rate of around 70 percent in the main house and 93 percent on the studio stage in the past 2023/2024 season underlines the upward trend, which is continuing in the current 2024/2025 season." These statistics demonstrate the enduring appeal of the Ohnsorg Theater and its ability to attract a loyal audience.

However, Lang also acknowledged that the theater has not yet fully recovered to pre-pandemic attendance levels. This admission reflects the ongoing challenges faced by performing arts organizations around the world as they navigate the long-term effects of the pandemic. Despite these challenges, the Ohnsorg Theater remains committed to providing high-quality theatrical experiences for its audiences and to contributing to the cultural landscape of Hamburg.

The staging of "The German Lesson" is a testament to the theater’s dedication to presenting thought-provoking and relevant works that engage with important social and political issues. By choosing to adapt this iconic novel, the Ohnsorg Theater is not only honoring the legacy of Siegfried Lenz but also reaffirming its commitment to fostering critical thinking and promoting artistic freedom. The production is anticipated to be a major highlight of the upcoming season, drawing audiences from across Hamburg and beyond.

The Ohnsorg Theater, renowned for its productions in Low German (Plattdeutsch), will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to "The German Lesson." While the specifics of the adaptation remain to be seen, the use of Low German could potentially add another layer of depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the regional identity and cultural context of the narrative. The theater’s established connection with its audience, built over decades of presenting plays that resonate with the local community, suggests that "The German Lesson – Biller in Flammen" will be a deeply meaningful and impactful production.