Die Nebenwirkungen

The so-called „Tocqueville paradox“ was named after Alexis de Tocqueville, who described the phenomenon in his 1835 book „Democracy in America“ as when people’s hatred of and resistance to privilege and injustice increases proportionally as the injustices themselves decrease. He goes on to explain that when all conditions are unfair, we hardly notice individual inequalities; but if we find ourselves in a state of widespread equality, any tiny aberrance is unbearable. In Jonathan Spector’s play EUREKA DAY, the parents’ council at a progressive private school is deeply committed to making every single tiny inequality visible in order to erase it. The council members want everyone at this proudly inclusive school to feel welcome, heard and seen. But when a mumps outbreak hits the school and the council is faced with a decision from the education authority that only vaccinated children are to be allowed in the classroom, this upsets the smooth-running, consensus-based democracy at the school.

Jonathan Spector’s tragicomedy, written in pre-pandemic 2018, takes all the discordant opinions of the past few years to the extreme and makes the underlying questions visible: What does democracy mean to us? How do we want to make decisions? How should people be able to participate and be involved? Do the interests of the community end where individual freedom begins? Or is it the other way around?

program

Die Nebenwirkungen
von Jonathan Spector
Aus dem amerikanischen Englisch von Frank Heibert

Place

Wiener Burgtheater – The Stage of Great Drama and Timeless Classics

The Wiener Burgtheater, often referred to as Austria’s "first stage," is one of the most prestigious and influential German-speaking theaters in Europe. Founded in 1741, it has shaped the theatrical landscape for centuries, standing for artistic excellence, literary classics, and contemporary productions.

Located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place where great playwrights such as Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Arthur Schnitzler, Thomas Bernhard, and Elfriede Jelinek come to life through groundbreaking performances. With its renowned ensemble and innovative direction, the theater masterfully combines tradition with modernity, captivating thousands of theatergoers every year.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• U2 – Rathaus station (approx. 5-minute walk)

Tram:

• Lines 1, D, 71 – Rathausplatz/Burgtheater stop
• Lines 2, 46 – Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring stop

Bus:

• Line 13A – Theater in der Josefstadt stop (approx. 10-minute walk)

Thanks to its prime location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is easily accessible by public transport.

Burgtheater Vienna – Where Theater Comes to Life at the Highest Level

With its stunning productions, world-class ensemble, and rich history, the Burgtheater Vienna is the beating heart of Austria’s cultural scene and an absolute must for those who love the magic of theater.