Das Schicksal der Johanna ©PR HH&COSurely you’ve noticed newlywed’s having their pictures made in Johannapark. You may have thought how lucky they were to have such a lovely backdrop for wedding photos so close to the Standesamt, but did you know there is another, much deeper and historical reason for shooting there?
The park was given to the city in 1881 with the stipulation that it would be called Johannapark and would always remain a park. Leipzig banker, Wilhelm Theodor Seyfferth, built it in 1863 in memory of his daughter, Johanna. He wanted people to remember to enjoy life the way she had-or at least the way she had before he had forced her into a loveless marriage to Dr. Gustav Schulz. This broke Johanna’s heart because she had found her soul mate, Wilhelm von Minckwitz, of whom her father didn’t approve. Two years later, at the tender young age of 21, Johanna died of depression. Nearly a century and a half later, couples still go there to immortalize the official union of their love.
DAS SCHICKSAL DER JOHANNA
Heike Henning’s newest musical drama, delicately recalls the fate of Johanna Nathalie Schuz. Through extensive research Heike explores the triangular relationship between Johanna, her father and her lover. The piece shows the broken psychological state to which Joan sank after being torn from her true love. At the same time it brings to light the profound ambivalence of this family to the tragedy that gave rise to today’s radiant park with its enduring appeal for couples. With music by Brahms and Schubert, the drama refers to an era of highly strained emotions and raises a burning question: Who dies for love today?
Carolin Masur, David Timm and Axel Thielmann talk, sing, play music and expose various aspects of the basic conflict surrounding the fate of Joan. True to her style one must expect the unexpected from Heike Hennig. Unexpected breaks, dramatic twists and touching moments will have the audience holding their breath as they watch and participate in unlocking Joan’s story and ponder the question of life-giving and life-taking love in our time.
The project is under the patronage of Christoph von Minckwitz, beloved great-grandson of William of Minckwitz, who will be at the premiere
The premiere will be followed by a walk through Johannapark.