No one ever grows up here. We live with mermaids, pirates and fairies...

T.S. Eliot's poem The waste land is considered one of the most important literary works of the 20th century. Published in 1922, Eliot's text reflects the upheavals and uncertainties of his time. It was written after the First World War, during a period of upheaval and disillusionment, characterised by the desolation and emptiness that people felt in a world torn by war and crisis. Our present day, which feels fragmented and restless, is also shaken by political unrest, catastrophes, wars and discord.

In 1904, J. M. Barrie published his theatre play Peter Pan or The boy who wouldn't grow up. Since then, the fictional character of Peter Pan has become a symbol of eternal youth and the longing never to have to grow up. Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, Wendy, the ticking crocodile, the adventures of Peter Pan and his friends are all part of the magical, escapist Neverland world. However, Barrie's story is not just about adventures and fantasy images, but is also a multi-layered work about loss, identity, finiteness and the longing for the light-heartedness of one's own childhood.

Together in Wasteland: Peter Pan, Alexander Eisenach, Jan Jordan and the ensemble create a kaleidoscope with parts of T.S. Eliot's poem, Barrie's story and a contemporary text by author Patty Kim Hamilton, in which she tells and reflects on Wendy's story - who has reached the end of her life. The result is a web of images, voices, motifs, characters and songs that are playful, dark and nightmarish in equal measure, allowing moments of hope and love to shine through alongside the lostness of the characters.

A collective work by the ensemble, under the artistic direction of Alexander Eisenach and Jan Jordan.