So long, Jena
The final part of Lizzy Timmers’ German Course Trilogy is a farewell party.
A last part. So long, Jena.
How do you learn to say goodbye—and how do you make major life decisions at all, such as leaving a place that has become home? Who stays in Jena, and why? Lizzy Timmers and actor Paul Wellenhof, who after long deliberation already has one foot out of Jena, begin with a ceremonial speech, a breakup conversation, from which an exchange about the theme of farewell emerges. They set out in search of traces in their own biographies. What have they said goodbye to in their past? What did it do to them? And is it even possible to practice saying goodbye?
Together they try out a wide variety of ways of taking leave, say goodbye to things they have grown more or less fond of, and decide to do things for the first time.
They sing, dance, and die—but in the end, does that really help with saying goodbye?
Premiere: March 21, 2024
Cast
By and with: Lizzy Timmers and Paul Wellenhof
Direction: Lizzy Timmers
Set Design & Lighting: Maarten van Otterdijk
Assistant Director: Nanine Maria Kok
Artistic Consulting: Mirjam Koen and Nanine Maria Kok
Many thanks for this.
Photos »So long, Jena« (c) Joachim Dette
Press
Die sieben besten Theaterstücke im April
»So long Jena«, Unique 10/2024
»Es ist ein zeitgemäßes Theater, das zwischen Berührung, Drama und ganz viel Witz oszilliert. Timmers und Wellenhof agieren in dieser losen Szenenfolge als wunderbares Schauspiel-Duo. Er überzeugt als grandioser Komödiant. Sie besitzt Charme wie kaum eine Zweite. Die beiden haben mit »So long, Jena« eine Art Feel-Good-Theater und zugleich eine zu Herzen gehende Hommage auf Jena kreiert.«
(Ulrike Merkel, OTZ/ TLZ)