Thomas Ostermeier Stages Molière's 'The Miser' with Lars Eidinger at Berlin's Schaubühne

Theater director Thomas Ostermeier is presenting a new production of Molière's 'The Miser' (Der Geizige) at Berlin's Schaubühne, featuring actor Lars Eidinger in the lead role. Ostermeier, who has served as artistic director of the Schaubühne since 1999, describes the classic comedy as highly relevant today, noting its exploration of themes like aging, ego, and the equation of money with love. The production represents Ostermeier's first engagement with Molière's work, despite having previously received the French Molière theater award. He characterizes the play as focusing on a self-centered individual who refuses to accept mortality. The director's approach involves a significantly condensed script and scenes developed through improvisation, particularly with Eidinger, with whom he has a long-standing collaborative partnership. Their previous joint ventures include enduring productions like 'Hamlet' and 'Richard III,' which have achieved international success with global tours. Ostermeier reflects on the Schaubühne's evolution from a struggling institution in post-reunification West Berlin to a major theater under his leadership, emphasizing a commitment to modern author-focused theater alongside classical works. He cites a repertoire blending classics with contemporary pieces by writers like Édouard Louis, Virginie Despentes, and Didier Eribon. Ostermeier positions his directorial philosophy as distinct from prevailing trends in German theater, rejecting pure deconstruction in favor of a psychological realism informed by Stanislavski and Meyerhold. The production is currently in rehearsals, with performances scheduled for the upcoming season.