Lübeck, Germany – As democratic principles face increasing pressure globally, a new theatrical production, “Über Leben – Es ist 5 vor 33” (“About Life – It’s Five to Thirty-Three”), is set to premiere at the Theater Combinale on March 7, 2026. The play, conceived by Sigrid Dettlof and L.-Christian Glockzin, with direction by Uwe Schwarz, aims to offer a potent blend of political commentary, artistic expression, and a glimmer of hope in challenging times. The production draws inspiration from the literary cabaret “Die Pfeffermühle” (“The Peppermill”) founded by Erika Mann during the Nazi era, recognizing unsettling parallels between the 1930s and the present day.
The Theater Combinale, a cornerstone of Schleswig-Holstein’s cultural landscape since 1987, has consistently championed engaged, entertaining, and thought-provoking theater. Founded through the collaboration of two free theater groups – Taktlos Theater (Sigrid Dettlof and Angela Saiber) and Top of the Flop (Ulli Haussmann and Wolfgang Benninghoven) – the Combinale has maintained its independence and artistic freedom while fostering a dialogue with its audience. Currently, the artistic and organizational leadership rests with Dettlof, Haussmann, and Knut Peters.
A Reflection of Troubled Times
“Über Leben” directly addresses the growing anxieties surrounding the state of democracy, both in Germany and worldwide. The creators, Dettlof, Glockzin, and Schwarz, seek to explore these concerns through a theatrical experience that is both politically charged and aesthetically compelling. The play promises to utilize humor, strong writing, and music to convey its message, aiming to inspire courage and resilience in the face of adversity. The title itself, “Es ist fünf vor 33” (“It’s Five to Thirty-Three”), serves as a stark warning, referencing the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933.
The production’s connection to “Die Pfeffermühle” is central to its thematic core. Erika Mann, a prominent writer and artist, established the cabaret as a platform for resistance against National Socialism. As she herself stated, “Von allem, was ich je getan habe, erinnere ich mich am liebsten an die Pfeffermühle” (“Of everything I have ever done, I remember the Peppermill the most”). Mann’s artistic philosophy centered on addressing difficult truths with a light touch, believing that silence in the face of injustice would be a profound betrayal. She articulated this commitment, stating, “Wir versuchen, in der leichten Form, die wir uns gewählt haben, die schweren Dinge zu sagen, die heute gesagt werden müssen… Und wir hätten allen Grund, uns zu schämen, würden wir jemals damit aufhören” (“We try to say the difficult things that need to be said today in the light form we have chosen… and we would have every reason to be ashamed if we ever stopped doing so”).
Echoes of the Past
The creators of “Über Leben” were struck by the historical parallels between the 1930s and the current political climate, a realization that prompted them to revisit the legacy of “Die Pfeffermühle.” The play incorporates both surviving texts from the cabaret and new writing by Uwe Schwarz, aiming to paint a portrait of Mann’s artistic and political journey from 1932 to 1945. This historical lens is intended not to induce despair, but to foster a sense of hope and agency, rejecting the notion of fatalism as a viable response to contemporary challenges.
Erika Mann’s operate at “Die Pfeffermühle” was supported by Therese Giehse and her brother Klaus Mann. Giehse, a German actress and author, was a staunch opponent of the Nazi regime and played a crucial role in providing a safe haven for artists and intellectuals persecuted by the authorities. Klaus Mann, also a writer, collaborated with his sister on various projects and shared her commitment to political activism. Their collective efforts embodied a spirit of resistance and artistic defiance that continues to resonate today.
The Theater Combinale’s Legacy
The Theater Combinale’s history reflects a commitment to independent and socially engaged theater. Since its founding in 1987, the company has consistently produced original works and adaptations that address pressing political and societal issues. The Combinale’s approach is characterized by democratic structures, collaborative creation processes, and a willingness to experiment with different theatrical forms. Beyond its stage productions, the theater also engages in socio-cultural and educational initiatives, extending its reach beyond traditional audiences.
The Combinale operates as a non-profit organization and receives institutional funding from the city of Lübeck and the state of Schleswig-Holstein since 1990. This support allows the theater to maintain its artistic independence and continue providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives. Since 2022, the Combinale has also served as a residency for flausen+, further enriching its artistic ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- “Über Leben – Es ist 5 vor 33” premieres at the Theater Combinale on March 7, 2026, addressing the fragility of democracy in the modern world.
- The play draws inspiration from “Die Pfeffermühle,” a literary cabaret founded by Erika Mann during the Nazi era, highlighting the parallels between the 1930s and today.
- The Theater Combinale has been a vital part of Schleswig-Holstein’s cultural scene since 1987, known for its independent and socially engaged productions.
- The production aims to inspire hope and resilience, rejecting fatalism in the face of political challenges.
“Über Leben” promises to be a timely and relevant theatrical event, offering audiences a space for reflection, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to democratic values. The production’s premiere on March 7th marks a significant moment for the Theater Combinale and the broader cultural community of Lübeck. Further information about the Theater Combinale’s upcoming performances and initiatives can be found on their official website: https://combinale.de/.
The next confirmed event is the run of “Über Leben” at the Theater Combinale, continuing through March 2026. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the themes explored in this article and the importance of supporting independent theater in the comments below.