Die Räuber

In DIE RÄUBER, Schiller creates a study of radicalisation by sharpening the claims of the Enlightenment and ultimately turning them into despotism, materialism and nihilism. Franz Moor, a rationalist and nihilistic misanthrope, wants to destroy his own father and thus the entire Christian world order. His brother Karl initially fights for humanist ideals, but loses all sense of proportion and becomes guilty of the deaths of innocent people.While Franz infamously plots against his brother and father at home, Karl goes into the woods to form a band of robbers. He rebels against his father's supposed rejection of him and travels the world robbing and murdering. After years of being a robber, Karl returns home. He recognises his brother's schemes and swears revenge. Franz, who has buried his father, is plagued by nightmares and feelings of guilt. When he sees his life threatened by the appearance of his brother Karl, he strangles himself. Bound by an oath of allegiance to the band of robbers, there is no way back for Karl either.Both revolt in their own way against the patriarchal and socio-political order, which has long since ceased to be powerful and instead gives birth to disorientated children. The weak father fails and is unable to give his sons any guidance. The playbill for the premiere gives an indication of this in the characterisation of the old Count von Moor: "Old Moor, an all too weak, yielding father, the cause of his children's ruin and misery."

Photo credit: Birgit Hupfeld