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The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari
Paperback
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jan 14 2026
Pages: 84
Weight: 0.27
Height: 0.20 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
In this new theater adaptation of the legendary 1920 expressionist masterpiece, the quiet town of Holstenwall is shaken by a series of inexplicable crimes.
We follow Francis into a desperate hunt for the truth. When his best friend is found murdered and his beloved Jane is snatched away in the middle of the night, Francis becomes obsessed with the man behind the madness: the mysterious Doctor Caligari. But in Holstenwall, nothing is quite as it seems.As Francis peels back the layers of the mystery, he finds himself trapped in a world of distorted perspectives, towering shadows, and bureaucratic nightmares. Is Caligari a simple fairground performer or a master of human puppets? Is Cesare, the somnambulist, a victim or a killer?
A Fresh Vision for a Modern StageFirst premiered by the Bonn University Shakespeare Company (BUSC) in December 2025, this adaptation breathes vibrant new life into the classic tale. While staying true to the chilling essence of the original silent film, this script expands the universe of Holstenwall by introducing a rich cast of characters that add depth, humor, and heart to the story.
Theatricality and MovementThis script was originally conceived for a dynamic, movement-heavy, and high-energy production. The play balances fast-paced, sharp, and amusing dialogues with deep monologues that explore the fragility of the human mind and how humankind dealt with mental diseases in the old days.
The structure allows for creative set designs, offering a unique theatrical experience that challenges the actors' bodies and the audience's perceptions.
Technical Details
Themes: Identity, Authority, Expressionism, Loss, and Mental Health.
Cast: 24 actors (flexible gender casting possible for several roles).
Style: Physical Theater / Expressionist Drama.
Running Time: Approximately 90-100 minutes.
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