Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kleist
Stage adaptation by Jonathan Giele and Marc-Philipp Kochendörfer

A man, two horses, and an unwavering belief in justice - Michael Kohlhaas, a horse dealer, family man, and devout believer, embodies order in a world of chaos. What begins as a minor abuse of power - an unjust customs duty and two mistreated horses - escalates into a widespread conflagration.

Offended to the core in his honor and sense of justice, Kohlhaas seeks reparation. But what can one do when the state fails and the law becomes a mere plaything in the hands of the powerful? Kleist's renowned novella unfolds like a dark ride through the abysses of morality and power. Kohlhaas ignites cities, commits murder, and ultimately loses himself in his relentless quest for justice. Is he a hero or a terrorist? A visionary or a madman? Between right and wrong, order and anarchy, 'Michael Kohlhaas' grapples with the question of what remains of a person when their last vestige of dignity is stripped away.

This piece serves as a lesson on the violence of principles - and the principles of violence.

Director: Jochen Schölch
Set Design: Thomas Flach
Costumes: Stephanie Krey
Video/Sound: Martin Hermann
Lighting: Thomas Flach/Martin Hermann
Featuring: Marc-Philipp Kochendörfer
Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (no intermission)

The Metropoltheater is supported by the Cultural Department of the City of Munich.