When the Judge Himself Is in the Dock

Heinrich von Kleist's „The Broken Pitcher“ is a bitter-comic courtroom comedy about guilt, cover-up, and the search for the truth. At the center is Judge Adam, who wants to hide a collection of shards that he himself has caused.

What initially seems like an ordinary court hearing develops into an increasingly contradictory and revealing procedure. Judge Adam is supposed to administer justice, yet he stands at the center of the events. His attempts to obscure his own responsibility create comical situations and simultaneously reveal the abysses of power and abuse of office.

Courtroom Comedy at the Grand House

The performance can be seen at the Grand House of the Hans Otto Theater Potsdam. Kleist's classic combines pointed humor with sharp observations of human weaknesses. Behind the comedic dialogues, it becomes apparent how difficult it can be to assert the truth when those judging others have something to hide.

The play focuses on the mechanisms of a court and the question of how credible justice can be when personal interests dictate actions. Judge Adam tries to maintain control of the situation, but with each statement, the pressure grows. The broken pitcher thus becomes a symbol of an order whose cracks can no longer remain hidden.

An Evening at the Theater in Potsdam

Visitors can expect a classic theater evening with black humor, linguistic precision, and a suspenseful plot. The performance is particularly suitable for anyone interested in German classics, socially critical comedies, and literary theater.

• Bitter-comic courtroom comedy by Heinrich von Kleist
• At the center: Judge Adam and his cover-up attempt
• Venue: Grand House of the Hans Otto Theater Potsdam

Information about the start time, ticket prices, and other visitor details can be found on the linked event page of the Hans Otto Theater.