Die Physiker – Badische State Theater Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe

About this event

This production of Die Physiker at Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe is part of the Junges Staatstheater and is aimed at audiences aged 13 and up. Director Martin Kindervater stages Dürrenmatt’s 1961 black comedy on the INSEL stage (Kleines Haus). The set and costumes are by Anne Manss, video design by Hanna Green, with dramaturgy by Mona vom Dahl. The staging highlights the timeless relevance of Dürrenmatt’s themes of responsibility, power, and knowledge in a world where science increasingly shapes society. It updates the central dilemma through the lens of artificial intelligence by portraying chief physician Dr. Mathilde von Zahnd as an AI, shifting the threat from nuclear annihilation to risks posed by AI-driven systems. Five actors play a total of ten roles, with missing characters—such as members of the Rose family—appearing via video projection. School performances can be booked for this production, and audio description is available on selected dates or by arrangement for schools.

Cast & creative

• J

  Dr. Mathilde Von Zahnd

  Jeanne-Marie Bertram
• S

  Inspector Voss

  Sophie Von Grudzinski
• S

  Nurse Monika Stettler

  Sophie Von Grudzinski
• S

  Missionary Oskar Rose

  Sophie Von Grudzinski
• H

  Herbert Georg Beutler (Newton)

  Hadeer Hando
• H

  Mrs Missionary Lina Rose

  Hadeer Hando
• M

  Ernst-Heinrich Ernesti (Einstein)

  Matthias Pieper
• M

  Head Nurse Marta Boll

  Matthias Pieper
• M

  Jörg-Lukas Rose

  Matthias Pieper
• N

  Johann Wilhelm Möbius

  Nico Herzig
• M

  Stage director

  Martin Kindervater
• A

  Set designer

  Anne Manss
• A

  Costume designer

  Anne Manss
• H

  Video designer

  Hanna Green
• M

  Dramaturge

  Mona Vom Dahl
• N

  Assistant Director

  Nora Klaus