The Beaver Coat
by Gerhart Hauptmann
by Gerhart Hauptmann
Washerwoman Frau Wolff exploits a profitable opportunity involving a beaver-fur coat amid the political tensions of late 19th century Berlin, while Police Superintendent Wehrhan focuses on more significant societal issues.
About The Play
About The Play
Washerwoman Frau Wolff runs her family like her business, ready to turn any crisis into a quick buck. When she hears that someone is willing to pay hard cash for a beaver-fur coat, and better yet, knows where to find one, she’s soon counting her luck. Meanwhile, Police Superintendent Wehrhan has more than petty pilfering to worry about. He’s fixed on flushing out the Liberals, Democrats and free-thinkers causing the real stink in the neighbourhood. Set in the Berlin suburbs at the end of the 19th Century, Hauptmann’s wittily observed and strikingly relevant working-class comedy is full of vivid characters, humanity and satire.