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Christian Friedel's 'Solaris' Premiere at Schauspiel Frankfurt Divides Audiences

The visually stunning adaptation of Stanisław Lem's sci-fi classic receives praise for its spectacle but criticism for sacrificing narrative depth and political themes.

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Menschen auf einer Bühne, die mit Leuchtröhren illuminiert ist
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Overview

  • Christian Friedel's stage adaptation of 'Solaris' premiered at Schauspiel Frankfurt on April 27, 2025, featuring an elaborate multimedia production with immersive lighting, lasers, and live music.
  • The production reimagines Lem's novel as an introspective drama, omitting much of its original political critique and dystopian commentary.
  • Audiences and critics are sharply divided, with some praising the emotional and visual impact while others criticize the abstract narrative and lack of cohesion.
  • The use of multiple actors for the roles of Kris Kelvin and Hari explores themes of identity, projection, and gender fluidity, adding a modern interpretive layer to the story.
  • The minimalist yet futuristic set design, defined by light structures such as gates and tunnels, further enhances the sci-fi atmosphere of the production.