It was a farewell that left no one in the audience untouched. The play hit the audience right in the heart. It was a masterful balancing act between the unsparing, serious portrayal of the care crisis and the unintentionally funny, deeply human moments that arise when three women have to live together in a confined space.
The ensemble managed to portray the forced community of the mother in need of care, her overwhelmed daughter and the 24-hour carer from Poland in a way that was both heartbreaking and incredibly heartfelt. Moments of deep sadness alternated with scenes in which the audience laughed heartily - an authenticity that was palpably based on the real interviews on which the play is based. The acting performances were outstanding: Felix S. Felix shone in the role of the stubborn mother Magdalena, who is dependent on help after a stroke. Miriam Grimm was deeply convincing as daughter Michaela, who is torn between her own life, her job and caring for her mother. Melina Schöfer accentuated the Polish language excellently and gave the Polish carer Maria a wonderful depth, caught between professional distance, human warmth and her own longing.
The enthusiasm about the evening was clearly noticeable in the foyer. One visitor summarised the mood:
"That was the last performance of the play? That can't be right. Such a great play on such a topical subject must not be allowed to die. Congratulations to the ensemble on this great acting performance."
The Chawwerusch Theatre from the Southern Palatinate, which has been known for its socio-political commitment for years, has put on over 70 successful performances of "Maria hilf". The final performance in Blieskastel, organised by the KVHS Saarpfalz-Kreis, was a worthy and emotional conclusion to a production that spoke to many people from the heart.