The Dirty Hands - Theater in der Josefstadt

German by Hinrich Schmidt-Henkel

Do you imagine that one could govern innocently? Marked by his bourgeois background, the young Hugo remains a small cog in his party. But there is war, and Hugo is ready to fight – and die – for his ideals. As proof of his determination, he even offers to kill the disgraced party secretary Hoederer. Hoederer seeks a compromise with the opposing factions in order to be part of the government after the war. Initially resolute in his mission, Hugo becomes increasingly convinced by Hoederer's arguments – the "betrayal of the party's ideals" transforms into the most politically sensible path. However, when Hugo has reason to believe that his wife has cheated on him with Hoederer, the situation fundamentally changes for the young intellectual.

With the political thriller Dirty Hands, Sartre examines the timeless question of the incompatibility of political practice and moral integrity. He exemplifies how dependent ideals and convictions are on current politics as well as private emotions, and highlights the chasm that exists between idealism and realpolitik.