German Language Theatre Group from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin presents a stage performance titled Die Räuber 

Die Räuber is a story of love, crime and betrayal. A German classic in a modern African context presented by the German Language Group, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. 

The performance is scheduled as follows:

Synopsis:

The story plays out between two unequal brothers, Karl and Francois Atchékamey. Francois is jealous of his brother, who is the preferred child of his father since Karl is allowed to study German at University and has gained the love of beautiful Amalia. Through treachery and lies, Francois manages to convince his father to reject Karl and afterwards, makes him believe that his beloved son has become a motorcycle taxi driver and died in an accident. The father is shocked and weakened by this horrible news. Therefore, it is easy for Francois to take his place as head of the family.

Karl reacts to his father’s rejection by becoming the boss of a gang of robbers. Torn apart between his old life and his robbers, to whom he has sworn faithfulness until death, he eventually decides to return to his family home, only to see that his brother has become the family’s leader. Francois has locked away his father, intending to let him starve. The old man only survives because Hermann, the house-boy, secretly brings him food. Karl sees through his brother’s web of treachery and lies and sends his robbers to Francois to take revenge. 

Francois, in the meantime, is haunted by his bad deeds and slowly but surely starts to lose his mind. Just before the robbers are able to take him as a prisoner and bring him to Karl, he takes his own life. In the dramatic finale of the play, Karl has to decide between his robbers, to whom he has sworn faithfulness until death, and his old life, including Amalia, whom he still loves.

Trailer: