Der zerbrochene Krug

Show & Culture

A play by Heinrich von Kleist. Village judge Adam presides over a trial about the sexual harassment of Eve, the daughter of a villager, and the breaking of a jug during the culprit’s escape. It soon becomes clear that Adam himself is guilty and tries everything to mislead the investigation. A judge thus judges himself. The audience knows from the start that he is the perpetrator. The play's interest lies not in the outcome, but in how Adam reveals himself and becomes entangled in his own lies, providing a comedic look at the abuse of patriarchal power.