NESTROY Spiele Schwechat - MEIN FREUND

What's it about?

I once had a friend, and since then I have no aversion to enemies at all. What does friendship mean? Who can you rely on? Who can you trust? And does a gullible, optimistic, almost naive person even have a chance nowadays? With MEIN FREUND, Johann Nestroy brings to the stage a story that is as bitter as it is comical about deception, betrayal, and lost illusions. The farce, written in 1851 – in the shadow of the failed revolution of 1848 – is one of the “darker works” of the great dramatist. Behind the usual brilliant wit lies a surprisingly melancholic examination of human abysses and social masquerades. What is it about? Schlicht, a kind-hearted and trusting person, considers Julius his best friend – a fateful error. He even entrusts him with a love letter to Amalie. But Julius withholds it and instead obtains money with a forged bill. Schlicht discovers the deception, but forgives – too soon. Six years later, they meet again: Julius now appears as a false baron to infiltrate society. At the same time, he courts young Marie and wealthy Clementine – with the goal of getting their valuable diamonds. Marie unknowingly helps him. Schlicht finally realizes that Julius has taken not only money from him, but also his love for Amalie. This time he acts decisively: He thwarts Julius's intrigues, saves Clementine, and ensures his unmasking. In the end, the jewels return to their owner – and perhaps Schlicht also finds his personal happiness. Despite all the melancholy, Nestroy remains true to his unmistakable art: wit, pointed dialogues, and finely drawn characters make MEIN FREUND an entertaining as well as thought-provoking theatrical experience, which, as so often with Nestroy, is also astonishingly current. Artistic director and director Christian Graf, together with set and costume designer Andrea Költringer, relies on an atmospherically dense and at the same time playful implementation. Christian Graf is supported by an experienced ensemble including Paul Graf, Manfred Stella, Michelle Haydn, Florian Haslinger, Maria Sedlaczek, Bella and Melina Rössler, Franz Steiner, San Trohar, and Bruno Reichert. 54th NESTROY Spiele Schwechat - MEIN FREUND PERFORMANCE DATES June 27 to August 1, 2026 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday at 8:30 PM Sunday, July 19 at 7:00 PM Schlosshof Rothmühle, 2320 Schwechat-Rannersdorf, Rothmühlgasse 5 TICKETS € 24 - 57 www.nestroy.at | www.oeticket.at tickets@nestroy.at | +43 650 4723212