Director
Thomas Bernhard
The World Reformer
Original title: Der Weltverbesserer
First Slovenian production
Opening night
30 January 2003
Small Stage
Duration:
110 minutes
Creators
Cast
Radko Polič
World reformer
Katja Levstik
Woman
Kristijan Muck
Chancellor
Boris Juh
Dean
Thomas Bernhard (1931-1989) is one of the most controversial Austrian writers. Dramatist, novelist and poet, he continues to cause disturbance and public unease even years after his death. Very few authors have painted such an inexorable picture of their fellow countrymen and their self-satisfied way of life. Along with his tragicomic outlook on life, death, illness and human misery, perpetual criticism of Austria is an important hallmark of all Bernhard’s works, whether they be autobiographical novels, fiction prose or plays.
A sixty-eight year old cranky philosopher who has published a treatise about the improvement of the world torments his common-law wife (whom he refuses to marry) while waiting for, and being dressed to receive, a delegation from Frankfurt University who are going to bring him diploma for an honorary degree. When the delegation of
vice-chancellor, burgomaster, etc., arrives, the world reformer treats them with disdain and throws them out of the house after having unceremoniously taken the diploma.
-Martin Esslin
Awards
2003
Spectators’ choice award for best show at Slovene small stage theatre festival SKUP in Ptuj
Radko Polič – Best male role at Slovene small stage theatre festival SKUP for the role of the World Reformer
Katja Levstik – Award for the “patient pondering of the world” for the role of Woman, at the international small-stage theatre festival Golden Lion in Umag, Croatia
Radko Polič – Borštnikovo srečanje Festival Public’s Choice for the title role
Festivali
2003
Slovene small stage theatre festival SKUP in Ptuj
International festival of the chamber theater Golden Lion, Umag
Pliberk