Overview

• The marathon performance ran past midnight to roughly 2 a.m., launching the new season with an eight-hour interpretation of Henrik Ibsen's play.
• Directors Vegard Vinge, Ida Müller and Trond Reinholdtsen presented on the Volksbühne's large stage for the first time; Vinge and Müller had declined an interim leadership offer as Matthias Lilienthal is set to take over next year.
• Staging featured explicit shocks — including a giant penis prop, on-stage masturbation, a hurled tampon and painting with real blood.
• The show filters the tale through 1970s–80s references and current issues such as police violence, war, abuse and the pandemic, with the protagonist likened to Boris Johnson, Donald Trump and Chucky.
• Audience endurance was built in with pizza and drinks allowed, many departed before the 2 a.m. finish yet applause closed the night, and further performances continue on Saturday.