Zeitstillstand (Time Stands Still)

by Donald Margulies (German translation: Bernd Samland)
Performed: - Reberastrasse 12, 9490 Schaan, Liechtenstein, Oct 18 - Dec 03, 2025
Category:

A cooperation/co-production between ManyTracks Inc. and TAK Theater Liechtenstein

Time Stands Still examines the lives of Sarah and James, a couple and journalists,  whose focus is documenting the horrors of war. When they return from a tour in the Middle East, they are physically hurt and emotionally beaten. While they are recovering, their best friend and editor, Richard, brings his new, young girlfriend along for a visit. Mandy is naive and unwittingly asks the important questions around the morality of war journalism. Her desire for a life in comfort and “normality” shocks James and Sarah. But what does “normal” really mean, when our safety is surrounded by horrors in many parts of the world? Do we have a moral obligation to engage and where does that leave us with our yearning for personal happiness?

“I’d want to take away the guns and rescue all the children. But I can’t. That’s not why I’m there. I‘m there to take pictures.” (Sarah)

Creative Team:
Scenic, Costume, Video & Sound design: Alexander Grüner
Lighting design: Fenna von Hirschheydt
Directing Assistant & Remounter: Susanne Oberndorfer
Assistant to Mr. Grüner: Carolin Pflüger

Cast:
Sarah Goodwin: Franziska Geyer
James Dodd: Georg Melich
Richard Ehrlich: Oliver Reinhard
Mandy Bloom: Jessica Matzig

Photos: @Ilja Mess




Press

"No one leaves this “time-stopping” theater evening without questions for themselves and for society."
Anita Grüneis, Journal for Culture and Society

"Katrin Hilbe's production is thoroughly thought out and meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. Sarah quickly cleans the lens of her camera, which was once smeared by a bleeding woman, before heading off on a new assignment. James allows himself to appear in loungewear outfit and has a new girlfriend with a son, thereby affirming his decision to no longer document the murderous outside world. Young Mandy has given birth and wants only to be a mother, which takes her older husband Richard a bit of getting used to. The audience is allowed to witness this development in short sequences, with all four actors portraying their characters with profound conviction."
Anita Grüneis, Journal for Culture and Society

"Katrin Hilbe's production of Donald Margulies' play "Zeitstillstand" (Time Stands Still) brought the TAK Theater Liechtenstein to a standstill, reminiscent of those times when plays at the TAK still stirred emotions and provoked thought."
Anita Grüneis, Journal for Culture and Society

"With impressive performances (directed by Katrin Hilbe), the two women and two men captivated the audience on Saturday evening, conveying a realistic picture of the "journalistic business with horror" and its impact on the relationships between the characters. The applause from the moved premiere audience was long and enthusiastic."
Hansjörg Sele, Liechtensteiner Vaterland