In *CALIGULA. INFERNO*, two of the most significant works of world literature—both of which drive humanity into the abyss—converge: Albert Camus’s play about the Roman emperor Caligula, who rebels against the limits of the world by demanding the impossible from his subjects and establishing a tyrannical reign of terror, and Dante Alighieri’s *Divine Comedy*, which leads us down into the circles of Hell. Every sin finds its place here, every deed its punishment.

Two forms of captivity, two logics with no way out. Humanity staggers between arbitrariness and the law—into a hell that lies not in the afterlife, but right here among us. A leaden state that arises in the here and now: through the system, through power, and through violence.

Caligula is regarded as a conscientious, young ruler and the hope of the Roman Empire. But his sister’s death plunges him into a deep existential crisis, from which he emerges with a shattering realization: People die, and they are not happy. What is the meaning of our striving? None. From the contradiction between human desire and an indifferent world, Caligula draws an extreme conclusion: If everything is meaningless, then everything is permitted. With his absolute power, he puts his subjects to the test: How far will they let themselves be pushed, and how much can they endure before they rise up against tyranny? He humiliates, he dispossesses, he murders. It is the devastating strategy of a fr

Performed by the Tegel Prison prisoner ensemble:
Adrian Zajac, Alex, André S., Atak, Baris Can, Eddy A., Fabi, H. Peter Maier C.d.F., Horst Grimm, Jan M., Marco, Muhammet, Norman, Paco, Paul E., Rico, Robert, Robin, Ronny B., Senad, Sven, Taui.

Accompanied by musicians from the 17 HIPPIES:
Benjamin Ostarek (Klarinette), Reinhard „Koma“ Lüderitz (Schlagwerk, Sackpfeife), Volker „Kruisko“ Rettmann (Akkordeon), Michael "Moe" Jaksch (Kontrabass, Zither)
On the piano: Vsevolod Silkin

Director Peter Atanassow Stage design Holger Syrbe Costume design Anne Schartmann Dramaturgy Franziska Kuhn Musical concept and arrangements Christopher Blenkinsop (17 HIPPIES) Musical direction vocals Vsevolod Silkin Choreography Suzann Bolick Production management Sibylle Arndt Assistant director Marlene Zuz Costume assistant Elena Chant Technician Lukas Maser, Mo Khoulaghassi Graphic Design Dirk Trageser.

Tickets: 18 € / 12 € (reduced)

Ticket sales from Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 2 pm

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Funded by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion
In cooperation with Tegel Prison and Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz
aufBruch is supported by the Association of Friends and Sponsors of Prison Theatre in Berlin e.V. and numerous private donors.