Lohengrin

A society without direction, a claim to leadership without a mandate, and a fearful gaze into an ever-accelerating future—in such circumstances, the first courageous act of intervention is immediately elevated to the status of a miracle. It is Lohengrin, the Knight of the Holy Grail, who rushes to the rescue after Elsa’s rightful claim to the throne has been challenged by Ortrud and Telramund. A well-calculated lie is enough to overturn all agreements. And no one stands by Elsa’s side. Lohengrin steps into the gaping void and takes responsibility. Questions about his past, however, are not permitted. Who is this man to whom the political future is entrusted? What is he celebrated for? Is hero worship mere populism? And can smooth functioning replace questions about the how and why? The enthusiasm for the savior is immense because it brings relief. When Lohengrin leaves, the void is greater than ever before. Does this miraculous apparition at least leave behind a new narrative to which society can cling? FAUST Prize winner Dennis Krauß, together with painter Norbert Bisky and costume designer Katharina Pia Schütz, searches for narrative worlds that once again vividly illustrate to us the susceptibility of the masses—before it may be too late for good.