In response to the harsh populist winds and the ominous sounds of war, De Warme Winkel brings back the acclaimed performance Villa Europa after 16 years.

On February 22, 1942, Stefan Zweig and his wife committed suicide in Brazil. One of the most read, most translated, and most prolific writers of his time recorded his memories shortly before his death of a world on the verge of disappearing. His posthumously published autobiography, The World of Yesterday – Memories of a European, offers an impressive depiction of the old Europe to which Zweig felt deeply connected as an (assimilated) Jew, engaged writer, and humanist. His last work forms the basis of the performance Villa Europa.

The call to strengthen European defense grows louder and louder—but what is Europe actually defending when it defends itself? Intolerance is on the rise across our continent, far-right movements gain ground in many countries, and opponents struggle to find ways to reverse the tide. In every struggle, heroes and stories are needed.

In this both hilarious and profoundly sad performance, two nerds relate to Stefan Zweig as he related to the cultural and humanistic legacy of Europe. Zweig was a master storyteller and a remarkably sharp observer and analyst of human nature. With incredible structure and timing, he draws even the strictest analyst into the adventures, thoughts, and motives of his characters.