Kafka's The Trial as a Yiddish vaudeville sensation in the ensemble!

Kafka's The Trial as a Yiddish vaudeville sensation in the ensemble!

Today, on October 28, 2025, the Berliner Ensemble celebrates the premiere of Barrie Kosky's highly acclaimed production of Franz Kafka's "The Trial". In a unique approach, Kosky, who enjoyed success with his previous production of The Threepenny Opera, combines elements of Yiddish vaudeville theater that particularly reflect Kafka's connection to Jewish culture. The production shows Josef K., played by Kathrin Wehlisch, as a prancing and vulnerable clown, which offers an exciting contrast to the dark content of the novel.

Kosky interprets the main character in a setting that challenges conventional expectations of drama. Instead of the “apparatus” in Kafka’s work, which is often understood as bureaucracy, Kosky sees it as an expression of Judaism. This perspective becomes clear through the transformation of the stage environment, which is transformed into a synagogue after Josef K.'s arrest. In addition, the lawyer Huld does not appear directly, but his presence is noticeable through his voice, which underlines Kosky's special dramaturgical decision.

Jewish culture and musical elements

The production is not only a literary discussion, but also a homage to Kafka's cultural roots. Musical elements such as Bach chorales in a jazz version and Yiddish songs give the performance additional depth. Kosky and his creative team also explore Kafka's Jewishness through texts presented in German, Yiddish and Hebrew, accompanied by German surtitles. This reflects Kafka's own coming to terms with his cultural identity, which took place in the context of the early 20th century in Prague, when he was discovered by an Eastern Jewish theater group that shaped some of his literary ideas.

Another notable aspect of the performance is the integration of Kafka's short story “In the Penal Colony.” Constanze Becker brings this text into the production, further illuminating the complex relationship between Kafka's literary work and his Jewish identity. This thematic depth makes the production a masterpiece, which impresses not only with its strong ensemble, but also with its clever mix of slapstick elements and grand gestures.

Kafka's legacy and contemporary relevance

Kafka's examination of his identity and the place of Jews in society is central to the interpretation of his work. Historically, Kafka often felt torn between his Jewish identity and German culture, which had a lasting influence on his writings. These tensions are also reflected in today's production, which, through Kosky's artistic work, gives space to the often overlooked aspects of Jewish culture and makes them accessible to a modern audience.

The preoccupation with the Yiddish language and culture that fascinated Kafka after a performance by a Yiddish drama troupe in Prague in 1911 is kept alive by Kosky in this production. Kafka experienced how Yiddish theater could convey a form of authentic Jewish expression, which influenced his own literary ambitions. By combining all of these elements, Kosky not only stages a literary classic, but also opens a relevant dialogue about cultural identity and exclusion.

The Berliner Ensemble and the numerous participants, including Kathrin Wehlisch as Josef K., Paul Herwig as The Overseer and Constanze Becker in other roles, make a significant contribution to ensuring that Kafka's complex themes shine in a new light. The premiere of this production promises to be an unforgettable experience that will captivate both loyal Kafka readers and those new to it.