"The Broken Jug" by Heinrich von Kleist

Village judge Adam sits in judgment over himself, entangled in his own lies and ultimately falls from grace. Kleist describes, with great comedic insight, the exercise of power by authority and delightfully offers glimpses into societal abysses. Judge Adam conducts a trial concerning the sexual harassment of Eve, the daughter of a villager, and the breaking of a jug during the perpetrator's escape. It quickly becomes clear that Adam himself is guilty and he tries everything to mislead the investigation. Judge Adam is judging himself. The crime he is supposed to solve is one he has committed himself. This is clear to the audience from the outset. Thus, the play derives its appeal not from the outcome but from the unfolding of the plot. While the perpetrator is known, the audience wants to see how he ultimately betrays himself and enjoys the sharpness with which he is exposed. The way one becomes ensnared in the web of their own lies and eventually falls, the audacity with which the patriarchy exerts its power—all of this is described by Kleist with great comedic flair, allowing us to delightfully peer into societal abysses.