Paradise of Pain
World Premiere: October 1999 at the Saarländisches Staatstheater
Synopsis
Chaos reigns in hell by definition. Yet this disorder has its advantages: the infernal realm supplies the entire energy required for the comforts of heaven. As ruler of the underworld, Mephista feeds on sex as punishment for the damned and delegates minor matters to her assistant, Klobürste.
Heaven, by contrast, promises freedom from stress and defines itself as a place where morally acceptable desires are fulfilled without obstruction. Angelina serves as the stabilizing force of this idyll, monitoring the emergence of excessive cravings. Unfortunately, the Holy Trinity has only limited control over the sophisticated computer system designed to distinguish between good and evil.
Klobürste, acting out of mischief, triggers a software malfunction and causes a mix-up of names. As a result, the kind-hearted civil servant Johannes Täufer ends up in hell, while the petty gangster Jonathan Diver arrives in heaven. The established order collapses. Through Jonathan’s influence, heaven descends into chaos, while hell experiences an unprecedented sense of structure.
The deceased soon rise in revolt. However, in the uprising against “those above,” the power of love assumes a decisive role.
Performance Rights: @franknimsgern@me.com
Music & Arrangements: Frank Nimsgern
Book: Florian K. Shantin & Alan Cooper
Awards
2000 ARD German Television Award “Goldene Europa” for Frank Nimsgern: Best Emerging Artist
Creative Team
World Premiere Saarländisches Staatstheater 1999
Staging: Kurt Josef Schildknecht (with Matthias Kaiser)
Musical Direction: Frank Nimsgern
Choreography: Marvin A. Smith
Set Design: Knut Hetzer
Costumes: Angela Schützt
Main Cast
World Premiere Saarländisches Staatstheater 1999
Johannes: Florian Schneider /Holger Hauer
Jonathan: Frank Felicetti
Mephista: Valerie Simonns
Angelina: Nicole Malangré
Klobürste: Sven Sorring
Creative Team
Revival Theater Trier 2005/2006
Staging: Holger Hauer
Musical Direction: Frank Nimsgern
Choreography: Peter Oppermann
Set Design: Christoph Weyers
Costumes: Carola Vollat
Main Cast
Revival Theater Trier 2005/2006
Johannes: Guildo Horn
Jonathan: Michael Ophelders
Mephista: Sanni Luis
Angelina: Stephanie Wettlich
Klobürste: Tim Olrik Stöneberg
Images Saarländisches Staatstheater, November 1998
Official Videos
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Score Samples
Break the Silence
Heiß
Paradise of Pain
Paradure
Wofür
Halleluja
Beautiful Day
FAQ about the Production
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers about PARADISE OF PAIN – clearly summarized for quick reference.
