Julian Rohrmoser as Franz Huchl
"The Tobacconist" by Robert Seethaler, directed by Claus Tröger, Waldviertler Hoftheater 2021
@Erich Überlacher and Reinhold Hartl
With: Julian Rohrmoser, Andreas Pühringer, Walter Ludwig, Johannes Rhomberg, Teresa Bönisch, Monika Pallua
Directed by Claus Tröger
Stage & Lighting: Erich Uiberlacker
Costumes: Alexandra Burgstaller
Video: Sebastian Greiner
Music: Moritz Hierländer
Rights: Rowohlt Verlag
An in-house production of the
Waldviertel Court Theatre
PREMIERE: June 17, 2021
FURTHER GAME DATES:
June 18, 19, 20 (4 p.m.), 24, 25, 26, 30 June
July 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th (4 p.m.), July 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
The year is 1937. Franz Huchel, at the age of 17, leaves his home village to seek his fortune in Vienna as an apprentice in a tobacco and newspaper shop.
The increasingly antisemitic atmosphere in the city is also felt by the tobacconist, who is harassed because of his Jewish customers. One of them, a regular customer, is Sigmund Freud. When the young Franz falls hopelessly in love with the mysterious Anezka, he seeks Freud's advice, but discovers that the female sex is at least as much of a mystery to the world-famous psychoanalyst as it is to him. Franz, however, is determined to fight for his love.
Robert Seethaler's poetic story tells of love, hate, politics and friendship in a difficult time – and how to remain human even when the scum rules.
Reviews
.The Waldviertel Court Theatre's own production, directed by Claus Tröger, deeply moved the audience. This was due not only to the subject matter but also to the superb actors, above all to Julian Rohrmoser as Franz Huchel, who arrives in Vienna from Salzburg at the age of 17 and is confronted with the rising tide of antisemitism. The circumstances Franz encounters in Vienna allow him to mature and take on responsibility. Julian Rohrmoser portrays this development palpably when he says, "Until recently, I was a child," and yet he is still not a man. However, he acts like a man; he bravely goes to the Gestapo, where he loses a front tooth, and in the end, he makes a statement, a warning to the people.
Franz Huchel arrives in Vienna as a 17-year-old country bumpkin. In the Waldviertel Court Theatre's production, Julian Rohrmoser plays this Franz, and he convincingly portrays his age and naiveté.NO
