Chemistry gives bread, prosperity and beauty - Young National Theater Mannheim

In 1958, one thing was certain at the chemistry conference in the Leuna works:   »Chemistry gives bread, prosperity and beauty«. Is that still the case today, 65 years later? Is the chemical industry more of a nightmare  or can it even be beautiful? Pursuing these questions, the artistic team deals with three locations that are closely linked to the chemical industry: Mannheim/Ludwigshafen, Leuna and Oświęcim (Poland). Young people from these cities are taking part in the research and researching chemistry stories in their own family biographies. Based on this, the team around director Ulrike Stöck tells the influence of the chemical industry on economic and social developments at different levels during National Socialism and the fall of 1989 - up to the present day. Texts by Sally Anger and Konstantin Küspert take on the history of the respective companies, while video projections by Carsten Gebhardt are dedicated to the beauty of the chemical industry.  Musicians around Arno Krokenberger also create a musical level during the rehearsal process. The production leaves the theater and invites the audience to a theatrical experience in new spaces.

Director & Stage: Ulrike Stöck

Text: Sally Anger, Konstantin Küspert

Video: Carsten Gebhardt

Costume: Viktoria Strikic

Musical direction: Arno Krokenberger

Dramaturgy: Flora Riezinger