Theater premiere in Wilhelmshaven: A look at marriages and crises!

Theater premiere in Wilhelmshaven: A look at marriages and crises!

The play “State of the Union: A Marriage in Ten Sessions” by Nick Hornby celebrated its premiere in Wilhelmshaven yesterday. In the sold-out TheOs, the audience enjoyed an intelligently staged and entertaining performance brought to the stage by Nicola Bremer. The focus was on the dramatic journey of Louise and Tom as they attempt to save their troubled relationship through couples therapy.

The plot unfolds over ten sessions in which Louise and Tom's marriage is severely tested. After Louise's affair, things aren't easy for the two of them and they have to face challenging questions. As Louise herself states: “Marriages don’t end suddenly, they are sick beforehand”. The therapist, who acts as “Canyon,” guides the two through this emotional roller coaster ride.

Rituals and insights

Before each meeting, the two meet in the “State of the Union” pub, which forms an interesting setting for the piece. This ritual not only helps the couple but also enriches the viewers who are drawn into the process. Conversations with other couples who have been through therapy open up new perspectives and invite self-reflection.

The characters are toughly drawn; their clothing reflects their emotional state. Louise initially appears elegant in her outfits, while Tom appears in casual clothing, which emphasizes their respective states. These stylistic devices ensure that the audience not only hears the dialogue, but also visually perceives the emotions of the protagonists.

A tense finale

The dramaturgy, by Dr. Marcel Krohn takes the audience through the ups and downs of the relationship. It remains unclear until the tenth session whether the two will have a happy ending or not. The intensity and excitement is palpable as viewers watch Louise and Tom develop.

“State of the Union” not only promises entertainment, but also makes you think about the challenges of love and relationships in everyday life. The success of the premiere could indicate that the piece will resonate not only in Wilhelmshaven, but in many hearts. With this exciting production, TheOs has once again proven that it has a knack for high-quality performances.

For further information about the performances and the program at Theater Wilhelmshaven, please visit NWZ Online.