The Edelweiss Pirates

© SLT / Christian Krautzberger

The Edelweiss Pirates

Dirk Reinhardt

adapted for the stage by Verena Holztrattner

Play based on the eponymous novel

Synopsis

  1. A summer that will change everything. At first Josef Gerlach, called Gerle, hardly notices the war, but his everyday life feels stifling. Gerle does not want to join the Hitler Youth; he does not care for slick hair and harsh drills. He does not understand why his father’s death should be considered “heroic”. Gerle does not want to be a hero. He wants to be free. Together with his friend Tom, he joins the Edelweiss Pirates – a group of young people who attempt to escape the grey reality of wartime through music, friendships and the celebration of anything “different”. But the war draws closer, fears grow and the pressure to adapt increases. Gerle resists the regime – but his own brother is part of the system. What does resistance mean if it disrupts a family? And what makes someone a hero?

    Dirk Reinhardt has a PhD in history and is a renowned author of books for children and young adults. In his novel about the Edelweiss Pirates, he helps young readers to understand the meaning of the phrase “I would have resisted”.

    Verena Holztrattner has directed many successful plays for young audiences and stages the material with great empathy. Stage and costume designer Eva Musil illustrates the conflict between totalitarian constraints and a yearning for freedom.

At a glance

Young Theatre
Premiere:
14. Jänner 2027 / Probenzentrum Aigen – Studio 3
Dernière:
5. Februar 2027
Ages 10 and up

Performances

Cast

Please select a date to view the current cast.

Director Verena Holztrattner

Stage and costume design Eva Musil