Premiere of Traumnovelle: Schnitzler's masterpiece in the Volkstheater!

Premiere of Traumnovelle: Schnitzler's masterpiece in the Volkstheater!

On October 31, 2025, the Volkstheater Wien celebrated the premiere of “Traumnovelle”, a production of Arthur Schnitzler’s timeless work. As Online Merker reports, the play's plot unfolds a dangerous journey through men's realities and erotic secret parties, coupled with the reflective depiction of women's dreams in which violence against husbands is expressed. This multi-layered narrative not only exposes the subconscious, but also raises fundamental questions about sexuality and fidelity - topics that are still relevant today.

The “Dream Novel,” originally published in the magazine *Die Dame* in 1925, describes the life of the doctor Fridolin and his wife Albertine. Their marriage is characterized by unspoken desires and the search for fulfillment. After a masquerade ball where they both flirted, they reveal their unresolved longings. In a world full of alienation and secrets, Fridolin encounters a dangerous situation that tests his life and his relationship with Albertine. Fridolin is drawn into a secret society, with his loyalties and deepest fears thrown onto the stage. The psychology behind the characters designed by Schnitzler creates an exciting narrative, which, however, encounters some obstacles in this new representation in the popular theater, as noted by critics.

The production in the Volkstheater

The current production at the Volkstheater has elicited mixed reactions. According to Online Merker, the director is criticized for not capturing the central themes of the original. The high-quality elements of the plot, such as the secret parties and Albertine's dream story, have been greatly reduced. This corruption of the work has resulted in the seriousness and psychological facets of Schnitzler's writing being undermined.

The show of a seemingly meaningless wooden decoration with a small ensemble of five actors often leaves the essence of the story behind empty comedy. Katharina Pichler stands out positively among the actors and leaves the strongest impression of solid acting performance. The feedback on the musical contributions of two background musicians is also critical; many visitors find these to be inappropriate.

An important literary legacy

Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931) is considered a central actor of Viennese modernism and, with his psychological dramas, reflected the social life of his time in a formative way. Despite the contemporary relevance that his works still enjoy today, Schnitzler experienced intense controversy during his life, particularly due to his portrayal of sexuality. The complete work, which, in addition to the “Dream Novel,” also includes important pieces such as “Fräulein Else” and “Reigen,” was banned during National Socialism and only gained new reception in the 1960s. His themes are not only universal, but also offer a deep insight into the human psyche and the conflicts of their existence.

The “dream novella” is often described as a difficult to digest but essential read that impressively addresses the balancing act between desires and reality. The reception of the new production in the Volkstheater raises questions about how the contemporary theater landscape deals with the challenge of reinterpreting important texts.