Waiting Room Germany

Synopsis

Germany, post-reunification, where the echoes of division still reverberate.

Klaus Pohl’s verbatim-theatre play Waiting Room Germany provides an intimate and raw exploration of life in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Commissioned by Der Spiegel in 1994 to capture the sentiments of the newly unified nation, the play features a series of monologues and dialogues from a diverse cast of characters, ranging from security guards to shepherds, representing both East and West Germany. Through their personal stories, the play delves into themes of identity, integration, and the lingering divides between East and West.

Waiting Room Germany is celebrated for its honest portrayal of the struggles and hopes of ordinary Germans during that transformative period. The minimalist set and flexible casting allowed for a focus on the powerful, real-life testimonies of those navigating the challenges of a reunified Germany. By giving voice to a wide spectrum of experiences, Pohl’s work offers a nuanced and deeply human perspective on a pivotal moment in European history, exploring the complexities of national identity and the personal impact of political change.