A novel about love in difficult times: In the midst of economic hardship and political radicalization, the Pinnebergs fight for dignity, cohesion and a bit of hope - and hold on to what they have left: each other.

A few often emerge from crises as winners, while many lose out. The Pinnebergs are one of them - and yet they always find support in their bond and in their love for their child. In a politically heated time, in which National Socialism is gaining influence and a system is emerging that reduces people to their utility, mutual support remains the most important resource against social repression and isolation.

Johannes Pinneberg and Emma Mörschel fall in love immediately and unconditionally. They call each other "Junge" and "Lämmchen", two people from simple backgrounds in provincial northern Germany. Emma grows up in a working-class family, Johannes has an office job. When Emma unexpectedly becomes pregnant, the two get married. Their income is barely enough for their everyday life together - until Johannes loses his job due to an intrigue.

Their hopes are pinned on Berlin, where Johannes' mother Mia lives and her partner Jachmann is able to arrange a job at the Mandel department store. But even in the big city, life is no easier: housing is expensive, quotas in the department store increase the pressure, and support is rare - neither from the local community nor from the authorities. The global economic crisis makes the situation even worse. Shortly after the birth of little Murkel, Johannes loses his footing again, while Emma bears the responsibility of getting the young family through these difficult times. In the end, they end up in a summerhouse on the outskirts of the city - a life on the edge, sustained by affection and the will not to give up.

The story vividly shows how fragile life paths can be and how important it is to stick together when a system lets people down.
Premiere January 16
Further performances: January 18, 25 and 30, February 15 and 27, 2026