12 Students of year 12 and teachers moved to Stendal on 21 November. As dramatic texts are in the focus of the German course, this standard of classic German play was worthwhile watching for both students and teachers – inspite of the long journey.

“Nathen the Wise” is a piece of drama of the German period of enlightenment, the ring parable being in its focus, symbolising the equality of religions. The main character is telling the parable to Sultan Saladin as a kind of tale, when he asks him about the ideal religion.

But at the beginning, all actors entered the stage and read out statements concerning the common refugee crisis. Thus, both  this and Lessing`s play reflected parallels to  present issues up to terrorist attacks in Paris . Religious tolerance is the key message of Lessing`s enlightenment, which prominently reached the audience on that evening.

The ring parable was spoken by Nathan into a microphone from a ramp at  the front stage, while his words were electronically amplified and hopefully not only heard inside the theater.

At the end, all characters have gone through a learning process, according to which they all originate from one family and now should have become friends. Parallel to this there were shown pictures and photoes displaying arriving present day refugees. For all those coming and ourselves there will hopefully be a happy ending of our common path in the long run.

Stephan Schneberger, Tutor of  FG13d