Der Kämpfer

When Michael learns of his father Jan's life-threatening diagnosis, he wants to be there for him. But Jan doesn't want any help, especially not from his son, who constantly makes him feel like he's doing everything wrong. Even though Jan seems to be developing a genuine closeness with his new girlfriend Sara, Michael sees his father's ideals of masculinity as loneliness rather than independence. How much change is possible in the time they have left? ‘Der Kämpfer’ tells the story in three scenes of a son who wants to feel connected to a father who never learned how to do so.

Juri Zanger's play is inspired by experiences with his own father and examines images of masculinity across different generations – critically, but lovingly. Zanger is studying directing at the Toneelacademie Maastricht and is making his directing debut at Theater Aachen with this play, which marks the completion of his studies.