Reigen

This play, which premiered in Berlin in December 1920, was considered one of the biggest theater scandals of the last century. There were tumultuous scenes during performances and later even a trial – which, in turn, led to Arthur Schnitzler banning his "Reigen" from being performed until 1982. For 30 years, however, the series of ten erotic encounters about people in very different relationship situations has held a firm place in German-speaking theater life. In the summer of 2012, the ORF Lower Austria regional studio recorded the 120-minute production by Helmut Wiesner, who discovered an original version of the play in Switzerland, at the Reichenau Festival in the Neuer Spielraum.

Directed by Helmut Wiesner, Reigen leans on a strong ensemble — Martina Spitzer, Chris Pichler, Juergen Maurer — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2012.