The Visit by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

‘The Visit’ is a darkly satirical and tragic comedy that explores justice, vengeance and moral decay. When billionaire Claire Zachanassian returns to her impoverished hometown of Güllen, she offers the citizens a fortune – on one chilling condition: they must kill the man who once betrayed her. Initially appalled, the townspeople slowly rationalise the murder.

Dürrenmatt masterfully exposes the fragility of ethics under financial desperation, weaving absurdity and irony into a haunting critique of collective guilt. As Claire’s grotesque entourage and surreal demands unfold, the play explores the dark side of human nature, especially societal compromise. ‘The Visit’ is a masterpiece of 20th Century European theatre – we are proud to bring this seldom-performed work to the Malvern stage.

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