The Theatergruppe Lutzingen staged Regina Harlander’s comedy “Diagnose: Ehemann” during the IBL-Kultursommer, drawing packed audiences to the local beer garden ahead of the curtain call. According to board member Rainer Burggraf, the production continued a successful community tradition that has expanded its run to a full weekend due to high demand.
Production and Plot of “Diagnose: Ehemann”
Directed by Harald Sager, who also handled the piece selection, the play centers on Eberhard (played by Stefan Schretle). Eberhard lies on the sofa convinced he is suffering from a bilateral pneumonia and standing on the threshold of death. He asks his friend Oswald (Klemens Kölz) to tell his wife Hilde (Marion Eggenmüller) that he has always loved her and wants her to find a new husband after his passing.
Hilde, exhausted by her husband’s hypochondria, teams up with her friend Rita (Karin Schweyer) to cure him of his fake ailments. Complications ensue when Eberhard overhears a phone conversation between Hilde and an electrician regarding a broken stove. Mistaking it for a consultation with his doctor about a “successor model,” and spotting his rebellious daughter Lena (Annalena Büttner) alongside the undertaker Johannes (Bastian Burggraf), Eberhard assumes his funeral planning is underway.
Resolution and Community Growth
The confusion peaks when the shaman “Abendröte” (Theresa Schweighofer), hired by Helga and Rita, arrives at the house. Eberhard mistakes her for a figure from the underworld and frantically vows to reform. The performance concludes with enthusiastic rhythm-clapping from the audience, who rewarded every stage entrance and exit.
According to Rainer Burggraf, the summer theater initiative started when organizers were uncertain of the public response, yet it immediately drew large crowds that required double performances on opening day. Over the years, the event expanded from a single day to a full weekend schedule. Burggraf confirmed that all three performances for the latest iteration were completely sold out, demonstrating the sustained local popularity of the IBL-Kultursommer theater tradition.
Worth a look