This is without a doubt the best play in German TrendEngel has seen in years. Adapted from the movie Autumn Sonata (Herbstsonate) by Swedish master Ingmar Bergmann this is captivating theater from the get go. Deutsches Theater in Berlin is the gold standard in German theatre. Now you know why. Seven years after last seeing her family, the world-famous pianist Charlotte Andergast visits her daughter Eva, who lives with her husband in the Norwegian countryside. Both Eva and Charlotte – who has consistently neglected her family for the sake of her career – hope for a reconciliation.

Charlotte’s second daughter Helena was admitted to a private clinic years before because of an incurable illness. When Charlotte arrives, she is surprised to find that her daughter Helena is now living with and being cared for by Eva. Charlotte covers up her annoyance about this unwanted confrontation with Helena. In an argument with Eva at the piano about the interpretation of a Chopin sonata, she upsets her daughter with her condescending tone, and the harmonious facade begins to crack. Director Jan Busse is almost as good as Ingmar Bergmann and the cast is the best of the best. You will leave the theatre a changed person. Go and see the play – There aren’t too many chances to do so.