Thermal Resistance

In the thermal spa all hell breaks loose. Peace and quiet are a thing of the past, although the spa guests are in urgent need of relaxation. However, the spa’s manager Roswitha has different plans – and a soft drink giant on the hook. She wants to capitalize on the spring water and transform the spa into a temple of luxury. The preparations are in full swing as a representative of the soft drink company is already on her way. Yet there is resistance from one single person – Hannes, the pool attendant. He has a vision of a different society and calls for a spa for everyone. Following the slogan “The baths to those who go bathing belly-up”, he puts up resistance.

The new piece written under commission of the Schauspielhaus Zürich by Austrian playwright Ferdinand Schmalz gives us his take on the feel-good bubble we’ve made ourselves comfortable in, and tells the story of what happens when the bubble bursts – in a language full of wit and lightness and philosophical foresight.