Play by Friedrich Schiller

"My spirit thirsts for action, my breath for freedom." Two unequal siblings rise up against perceived injustice and a lack of vision for the future. Two siblings who were raised by their father with double standards. The first-born is given everything he needs for a glamorous life. The second child feels left behind and begins a rationally planned intrigue to escape the dead end of his life. This intrigue confronts the older brother, who is spoilt by success, with the loss of his father's support and throws him off course. He decides to go to extremes and throws himself into the arms of an emerging gang of dissatisfied and rebellious people - and becomes their leader. Let's fight for freedom! Down with injustice and bourgeoisie! But the noble ideals soon disappear behind the rampant violence of the gang members. Meanwhile, the sibling who stayed with their father is on the verge of finally being recognised - their father's death is part of the plan. The older brother has also long since had blood on his hands. The longing for freedom and self-determination will lead both of them to the abyss.

The premiere of Schiller's "The Robbers", the pathos-fuelled Sturm und Drang play, ended in chaos among the emotionally distraught audience in 1782. The disputes are still explosive and charged when it comes to the question of the ideals worth fighting for and how to fight - especially when radicalisation turns into excess and destruction.