The ensemble during rehearsals
HFU Theatre Group performs “Kalter Weißer Mann”
Apart from the stage, the auditorium at Furtwangen University (HFU) is mostly dark this weekend. Here, the theatre group, headed by Prof. Jirka Dell’Oro-Friedl, is rehearsing its new play, “Kalter Weißer Mann.” The students stand in the wings with their scripts; an urn plays a central role. The comedy revolves around the funeral services honouring company CEO Gernot Steinfels. These are organised by his “60-year-young” successor. Due to an awkward phrasing in the invitation, a heated debate erupts between the new boss and his employees shortly before the ceremony.
On the rehearsal stage, individual gestures and phrasing are being refined. Who stands up when? Who walks where? The team is learning to create dynamics that don’t feel frantic. An unconscious stroke of the beard becomes part of the character. Even though some costumes are still makeshift, the characters already seem lifelike. In the current scene, the new “old white man” at the helm, played by Max Duczmal, exchanges sharp-tongued dialogue with his staff. The conversation revolves around societal norms, models eating strawberries in winter, and lace lingerie. Unwittingly caught in the middle is Ralf Speer as a desperate pastor trying to smooth things over and make himself heard.
The HFU theatre group, currently consisting of eight people, has been rehearsing the current play since November. The goal is to stage a new play on a regular basis; most recently, they performed “How to Be Human” and “Antigone,” both of which were met with enthusiastic applause.
On stage, the cast is rehearsing the dramatic exit. Some of the actors are still struggling with their lines, which elicits a few laughs. Jirka Dell’Oro-Friedl sits across from the stage with the script open, keeping track of the intended chaos of the play. “The play depicts a cultural clash that shows how gender dynamics are becoming more complicated and that the divide between Boomers and Generations X, Y, and Z may be deeper than we thought.”
Theatre fans of all ages are welcome to attend the three performances. The department welcomes donations. The premiere of the play “Kalter Weißer Mann” is on Saturday, 9 May, at 7.00pm in the HFU auditorium (Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1). Additional performances will take place on Monday, 11 May, and Tuesday, 12 May.