Lars Eidinger Discusses Role in 'Der Geizige' and Reflections on Theater, Hollywood, and Personal Identity

German actor Lars Eidinger discusses his portrayal of Harpagon in Molière's 'Der Geizige' (The Miser), adapted by Maja Zade and Thomas Ostermeier, with photography by Juergen Teller. The production is set to be staged in 2026 at Berlin's Schaubühne, where Eidinger has been a company member for 27 years. Eidinger reflects on how the role connects to his relationship with his father, exploring themes of greed, compulsion, and identity through psychological concepts like anal fixation and autism. He describes theater as an enduring art form that addresses human immediacy, contrasting it with Hollywood, which he views as an aspirational destination for actors despite different working methods. Eidinger also comments on the challenges of institutional changes at the Schaubühne, including the closure of a studio theater due to budget constraints, and his evolving dynamic with director Thomas Ostermeier. He dismisses notions of fame and materialism, emphasizing his focus on artistic expression as a response to feelings of disconnection. The interview touches on broader themes like Weltschmerz, the death drive, and the role of theater in self-discovery, with Eidinger citing influences from Bertolt Brecht and Freud.