Whale's Baltic Sea Drama Becomes Hamburg Theater Production

The plight of a humpback whale that repeatedly stranded itself on Germany's Baltic Sea coast is now the subject of a theatrical production in Hamburg. Titled "Die Hope stirbt zuletzt" (Hope Dies Last), the play will premiere on July 11 at the Hamburger Hans-Deutsch-Theater.

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A mix of performance, concert, mass, and public self-questioning.

Director Alexander Klessinger described the event as a "mix of performance, concert, mass, and public self-questioning." The production aims to create a "mass for Timmy, for Hope," using original quotes from politicians, scientists, activists, and eyewitnesses. The whale became known by these two names in Germany.

Klessinger noted the "state of emergency" surrounding the whale, which stranded multiple times in March and April, first near Timmendorfer Strand and then Wismar. Millions of people followed its fate, with widespread hope, discussion, grief, demonstrations, and arguments ensuing. The 12-ton marine mammal was eventually stranded in the shallow Kirchsee Bay on Poel Island.

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From original quotes by politicians, scientists, activists, and eyewitnesses, a mass is created for Timmy, for Hope.

A private rescue initiative managed to transport the whale in a large barge to the North Sea, but the animal survived only a few days. It was found dead on May 14 off the Danish Baltic Sea island of Anholt. The theater evening will be accompanied by the Berlin band Tulpe, whose song "Sprengt den Wal" (Blow Up the Whale) gained many fans. A discussion with veterinarian Kirsten Tönnies, who was part of the private rescue team, is planned after the performance.

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Millions of people follow his fate. There is hope, discussion, grief, demonstration, and argument – why, actually?