Class Struggles and Sharp Wit: Schäfchen im Trockenen

Theater Drachengasse [ENA] In January 2025 Theater Drachengasse transforms into a battlefield of biting social commentary and deeply personal storytelling with Schäfchen im Trockenen, a stage adaptation of Anke Stelling’s award-winning novel. Directed by Isabella Sedlak and brought to life by a stellar cast and creative team, this production is a searing exploration of social inequality, personal failure, and self-reckoning.

The performance is all laced with a dark humor that leaves audiences both unsettled and exhilarated. At the heart of the play is Resi, a writer, mother, and wife who has navigated life with a sense of cautious optimism despite her modest upbringing. Her world—seemingly stable, albeit precariously perched on the goodwill of a lenient landlord—is thrown into chaos when her family’s rental contract for their spacious inner-city apartment is abruptly terminated. This loss of home becomes the catalyst for Resi’s brutal confrontation with her own social standing, her place within her affluent social circle, and the disillusionment of upward mobility.

As her carefully constructed identity crumbles, she finds herself grappling with the bitter realization that she and her family are outsiders, cast out of a milieu they never truly belonged to. The narrative, as adapted by Sedlak and Anna Gschnitzer, preserves the sharp, caustic tone of Stelling’s original work. Resi’s monologues to her eldest daughter, Bea, serve as the emotional core of the production, oscillating between scathing indictments of societal structures and poignant reflections on the sacrifices made in the name of familial and personal dreams. It’s an unflinching self-examination that resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of unrealized aspirations or the weight of societal judgment.

The cast delivers uniformly excellent performances, bringing both humanity and sharp comedic timing to their roles. Barča Baxant’s portrayal of Resi is nothing short of a tour de force. She embodies the character’s vulnerability, frustration, and simmering rage with an intensity that feels both raw and deeply relatable. Baxant’s nuanced performance captures Resi’s transition from self-doubt to defiance, making her a compelling anchor for the production. Melina von Gagern, Edwarda Gurrola, and Bettina Schwar shine as Resi’s social circle, effortlessly switching between moments of biting satire and genuine camaraderie.

Their interactions highlight the often unspoken tensions of class and privilege, serving as a mirror to Resi’s internal struggles. The chemistry among the ensemble is palpable, drawing the audience into the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics that define Resi’s world. Karoline Bierner’s set and costume design underscore the play’s themes of instability and facade. The stage—a mix of minimalist elements and cluttered domesticity—reflects the precarious balance of Resi’s life, while the costumes subtly hint at the disparities between her family and their more affluent peers. Deniz Beşer’s stage illustrations add a whimsical yet poignant layer to the production, with visuals that shift between dreamlike abstraction and realism.

Philipp Pettauer’s music is another standout element, blending haunting melodies with bursts of energetic, genre-defying compositions that mirror Resi’s emotional journey. The sound design enhances the play’s dynamic shifts, from intimate confessions to explosive confrontations, creating an immersive auditory experience that lingers long after the final curtain call. Hannah Zauner’s choreography injects moments of physicality that complement the play’s verbal sparring. Whether it’s a chaotic family scene or a stylized depiction of Resi’s internal conflict, the movement adds a visceral layer to the storytelling. Sedlak’s direction balances these elements masterfully, maintaining a brisk pace while allowing the quieter, introspective moments.

At its core, Schäfchen im Trockenen is a biting commentary on classism, social mobility, and the illusion of equality. It’s a story that exposes the cracks in the veneer of privilege and questions the narratives we construct to justify our place in the world. Resi’s journey is a reminder of the fragility of social standing and the resilience required to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the systems we inhabit.

Yet, for all its weighty themes, the play is also wickedly funny. The humor—often dark, sometimes absurd—provides a counterbalance to the heavier moments, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and, at times, disarmed. It’s this blend of sharp wit and emotional depth that makes Schäfchen im Trockenen such a compelling theatrical experience. Schäfchen im Trockenen is a triumph on every level—a bold adaptation of a modern literary classic, brought to life by an exceptional creative team and cast. It’s a production that challenges, entertains, and ultimately moves its audience, leaving them with much to ponder about the complexities of class, identity, and the human condition.