Die Gemeindeversammlung

Political theatre with pop appeal: a bitterly funny spectacle about imminent disempowerment, village silency and a crisis of democracy. Inspired by real archive minutes and in the setting of a community meeting, an absurd showdown unfolds – with the question of all questions: Does our self-determination still have a future?

The gym is festively decorated. The last community meeting of the year is also a colorful evening, but this time it is bubbling under the surface. At this last annual meeting, a vote will be taken on the abolition of municipal autonomy. Oberflüeli is on the verge of collapse as a self-determined village and is to be placed under curatorship due to inefficiency. The mayor tries to bring the meeting over the stage with dignity and as usual - without success. In the chaotic atmosphere, old feuds, corroded friendships and existential fears break out. It's a wake-up call. Does the municipality defend its right to diversity of opinion and inconvenience despite numerous internal conflicts, or does the village have to be trimmed for efficiency and decision-making power handed over to professional governors? A wild ride through the abysses and hopes of a village at the limit.

The director Manfred Ferrari in collaboration with the author Lukas Lindner, both well acquainted with the subject matter, have set themselves the goal of bringing the democratic process and the importance of direct democracy to the stage with a clear stance against disenchantment with politics and for community cohesion. The play does not want to convey a political theatre message, but to celebrate the value of direct democracy through a lively and at the same time profound narrative.