„Der jüngste Tag“ von Ödön Horváth im Schauspielhaus Graz

The railway station director Hudetz is known for his reliability, yet he misses the crucial moment for a signal as innkeeper's daughter Anna distracts him. Two trains collide, eighteen passengers die. Anna and Hudetz attempt to deflect any suspicion from themselves through false statements. In the village, the train disaster becomes the starting point for a variety of suspicions and accusations.

Horváth, whose birthday will be celebrated for the 125th time in 2026, wrote during a time of rising fascism about "ordinary people" in existentially threatening situations. His powerful play depicts a society characterized by narrow-mindedness, malice, and reservations. Economic and political instability amplify mutual distrust and prepare the ground for rumors and incitement. In this climate of insecurity, the web of culpable connections continues to spread.

Director David Bösch explores the question of individual responsibility within society and brings Horváth's engagement with guilt and conscience to the stage through finely drawn psychological characterizations. The almost crime-like atmosphere reveals dynamics of opinion formation and reflects the danger posed to both individuals and entire societies in blind and frenzied reactions.

Public Accessibility: Bus 30 I Stop: Freiheitsplatz/Schauspielhaus

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