Schwarzwasser. Am Königsweg

the long version

A blind king is suddenly ruling the USA and the rest of the world rubs its eyes in disbelief. An Austrian politician promises a rich Russian woman dominion over the national media landscape while throwing the natural landscape into the bargain as well: mountains, rivers, valleys and lakes all become subject to private speculation. The names of the characters in Am Königsweg and Schwarzwasser are well-known, but aren't that important, since in these two topical plays Elfriede Jelinek examines the phenomenon of right-wing populism, which is spreading like a virus and polluting the world's climate. Between tragedy and grotesque, she also interrogates her own position and creates forms of resistance.