The Third Man

The Rheda-Wiedenbrück City Hall presents a multimedia production of Graham Greene's "The Third Man" as part of the theater series "The Great Seven." This production combines acting with live zither music, bringing the classic to life in a new dimension. The story is set in post-war Vienna, a city divided by the four occupying powers, where the black market thrives. Writer Rollo Martins travels to Vienna at the invitation of his childhood friend Harry Lime, but only arrives in time for his funeral. Doubts about the official cause of death lead Martins on a dangerous quest, where he repeatedly encounters the mysterious "third man." This production is characterized by its dynamic execution, with the actors taking on various roles to create an almost cinematic experience. Particularly noteworthy is the live zither music, which interprets the famous "Harry Lime Theme" by Anton Karas and intensifies the atmosphere of the piece. "The Third Man" was filmed in 1949 by Carol Reed with Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten and is considered a milestone of film noir. The expressionistic camera angles, the iconic "cuckoo clock speech," and the final chase through the Vienna sewers have made film history. The performance in Rheda-Wiedenbrück offers the opportunity to experience this classic in an innovative theatrical adaptation that appeals to both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.