Three Times Left is Right at Wiener Festwochen 2025

Wiener FestWochen [ENA] Julian Hetzel's Three Times Left is Right, which premiered at the 2025 Wiener Festwochen, is a provocative exploration of ideological polarization within intimate relationships. Drawing inspiration from a real-life Viennese couple—she, a prominent New Right intellectual; he, a cultural studies scholar with a communist background—the performance delves into the complexities of love and political discord.

Staged at Halle G in the MuseumsQuartier, the production features real-life couple Kristien De Proost and Josse De Pauw, whose authentic chemistry intensifies the portrayal of a family grappling with conflicting worldviews. Their performances navigate the fine line between affection and animosity, illustrating how personal relationships can reflect broader societal divisions.

Hetzel's direction transforms the domestic setting into a microcosm of political debate, where dinner table conversations become battlegrounds for ideological clashes. The staging employs stark visuals and strategic lighting by Bahadir Hamdemir to underscore the tension between the characters. Frank Wienk's musical compositions further accentuate the emotional undercurrents, blending dissonant tones that mirror the discordant dialogues. The performance is delivered in English with German surtitles, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the authenticity of the characters' interactions. The use of multiple languages and cultural references emphasizes the universality of the themes explored.

Three Times Left is Right challenges audiences to confront the discomfort of ideological differences within personal relationships. By presenting a narrative where love and political beliefs collide, Hetzel invites reflection on the possibility of coexistence amid deep-seated divisions. The production stands as a compelling commentary on the intersection of the personal and the political, urging viewers to consider the complexities of empathy and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.