Ute Menzel inspires in the Zwickau Theater: A play about loneliness!

Ute Menzel inspires in the Zwickau Theater: A play about loneliness!

In the last few days, the Zwickau Theater has caused a stir with the premiere of the new play “Himmelweg” by Juan Mayorga. The well-known actress Ute Menzel embodies the main character María Luisa, an old woman who lives alone in a rental house. Menzel, who at 61 is already an audience favorite, emphasizes the importance of having an older woman at the center of this story. She sees it as an important step to bring the issue of loneliness into focus. “It really touches me that we see such a strong female role,” explains Menzel in an interview with Free Press.

The piece itself deals with both personal and social isolation and is chosen for a reason. “Himmelweg” is an impressive drama that deals with the illusion and the cruel reality of the living conditions in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. The author Mayorga has demonstrated a deep understanding of the human psyche in his work, thereby creating a gripping narrative. The premiere took place in Madrid in 2004 and since then the piece has been performed in numerous cities around the world, including New York and London. The theater performance is often viewed as a mirror for social injustices, which is particularly impressively conveyed by the examination of the dark history of the 1940s. Information about this is provided by Wikipedia.

Loneliness in old age

The connection between the topics of loneliness and old age is increasingly being discussed. According to a study, around 25% of people over 55 in Switzerland suffer from loneliness, which corresponds to around 444,500 people. The numbers are alarming, especially when you consider that 37% of people over 85 also experience this feeling. This loneliness is often accompanied by shame, so many sufferers have difficulty speaking openly about it. It is all the more important to make such topics visible and tangible, which is what the Zwickau Theater is now trying to do with its piece. Promoting social participation and removing taboos about loneliness is the goal, which is supported by various projects, according to the Loneliness in old age website.

The sensitive examination of the topic of loneliness, as it is dealt with in “Himmelweg”, could then also help to promote awareness of the needs of older people and support them in their self-determination and social participation. Theater has a unique opportunity to address such sensitive topics in a protected space and thus encourage the audience to think. At a time when personal stories and understanding of one another are more important than ever, the piece “Himmelweg” could provide just the right impetus.