The stage adaptation of the novel Panikherz (Panic Heart) has been playing at the Berliner Ensemble since February 2018. Two years ago, Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre’s book brought to life the fall of a celebrated author succumbing to his addiction. Four actors personify the author at different stages — youth, success, excess and self-destruction. Though the 600-page novel also gives insight into the pop culture of the past 20 years, the focus lies primarily on Stuckrad-Barre’s drug-colored career rather than his literary one. The lesson to be learned is that one should always be vigilant. A band enhances the intoxicating feeling of the play by performing the soundtrack that shaped the author. The repertoire of Udo Lindenberg makes up a large part of it. His music runs through the play and Stuckrad-Barre’s life like a common thread. Lindenberg is a figure of light who saves him with familiar words: Keine Panik (Don’t panic). The Berliner Ensemble has recreated a hotel bar for the stage set. No additional backdrop is needed. Audiences enraptured by the pathos on display keep the theater seats full. It is therefore worthwhile to buy tickets soon. (Text: Jennifer Prietzel / Photos: Berliner Ensemble, Moritz Haase, Julian Röder)
Berliner Ensemble, Bertolt-Brecht-Platz 1, 10117 Berlin-Mitte, map
Panikherz will be shown on different dates. The book by Benjamin von Stuckrad-Barre was published by Kiepenheuer & Witsch.
