Goldstück in Chemnitz: Play highlights misogyny and violence

Goldstück in Chemnitz: Play highlights misogyny and violence

On June 14, 2025, Chemnitz will present a new facet of cultural debate with the premiere of the play “Goldstück”. The piece, staged by the Pièrre Vers collective, is part of the Kosmos Festival and addresses important social problems such as domestic violence and toxic masculinity. It raises provocative questions that speak directly to the viewer: What drives people to commit violence in relationships and how does society react to this?

Verena Günther's text uses powerful statements such as "I love you" and "Why don't you just leave him?" to confront the audience with the perspective of affected women. Director Christof Seeger-Zurmühlen creates a space for reflection with a kaleidoscopic production and an impressive set that is reminiscent of an old industrial hall. Here, staked walls, metal bars and a stylized door frame take center stage to represent the gathering of realities and emotions.

A strong collective

A total of 16 performers are involved, including three men who alternate between acting and speaking in sporty clothing. The powerful production reinforces the play's messages by addressing the serious experiences of women in a women's shelter. One of the characters reports 19 puncture sites, highlighting the physical and psychological brutality that many women experience.

Musically, the piece is supported by a background noise, beats and collective dance moments, which further increases the intensity of the performance. The social choir also brings in different women's perspectives so that the audience is confronted with the different facets of violence.

Social relevance

The themes of toxic masculinity and femicide are explored not only in the context of the play, but also in informed discussions about the social circumstances that lead to such violence. Current statistics show that almost every third day a woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner. This shocking reality is discussed in various media and formats, such as reports by Leon Windscheid, who interviews men who have to undergo anti-aggression training in a so-called perpetrator group in order to question their behavioral patterns [ ZDF ] .

The need to rethink images of masculinity is also highlighted by social worker Carina Huber, who leads these groups. She and her colleagues work on prevention to break cycles of violence and emphasize the role of conversations about gender roles [ Aargauer Zeitung ] .

The play “Goldstück” is not only a cultural event, but also an important contribution to an urgently needed social dialogue about violence, masculinity and the voices of affected women. With this production, Chemnitz shows that art can and should be a powerful amplifier for social issues.