Behind the Scenes: Dramatic Nomads Rehearse 'The Deadly Game' at Kreativski Studios

Something exciting is brewing in the heart of our studio this spring. If you’ve been following the local arts scene, you know that Vienna is home to some of the most vibrant and daring theater companies Vienna has to offer. Among them, the Dramatic Nomads have consistently pushed boundaries with their storytelling.

We are thrilled to announce that starting this April, Kreativski Studios will become the official home base for the rehearsals of their upcoming production, "The Deadly Game". It’s a project that brings together psychological depth, a classic literary foundation, and a top-tier creative team. Whether you’re a theater buff or a fellow creative looking for the right rehearsal space vienna, this collaboration is one to watch.

The Play: From Dürrenmatt to Yaffe

Every great production starts with a powerful script. "The Deadly Game" is a fascinating piece of theater written by James Yaffe. But its roots go even deeper. Yaffe adapted the play from the famous novel Trapps (also known in some circles as A Dangerous Game or Die Panne) by the legendary Swiss author Friedrich Dürrenmatt.

Dürrenmatt was a master of the "tragicomic," and Trapps is perhaps one of his most chilling explorations of justice, guilt, and the thin line between a game and reality. The story follows a traveling salesman whose car breaks down in a remote area. He finds refuge in a house where a group of retired legal professionals: a judge, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney: spend their evenings re-enacting famous trials. What starts as a harmless, wine-fueled dinner party "game" quickly turns into a high-stakes interrogation where the salesman’s own life and secrets are put on the stand. Dramatic Nomads have added their own modern spin to this story, which you will have to wait and see on opening night!

It is a tense, claustrophobic, and intellectually stimulating story. Bringing this kind of atmosphere to life requires a dedicated space where actors can truly immerse themselves in their characters. That’s exactly what we aim to provide here at The Studio.

Why Kreativski Studios?

When Stefan Rudigier, the director of this production, approached us, we knew our space would be a perfect fit. Theater rehearsals aren’t just about having four walls and a floor; they are about finding a "hub" where the technical and the creative can meet.

For a play as intricate as "The Deadly Game", the technical nuances: lighting shifts that signal a change in the psychological "weather," or sound cues that heighten the tension: need to be explored early on. Our facility is designed to support this level of detail. With our professional lighting and tech capabilities, the Dramatic Nomads can test out their staging ideas long before they move to the final stage at TheaterArche.

Being a go-to rehearsal space vienna means we get to see the "ugly" and beautiful parts of the creative process: the line flubs, the sudden breakthroughs, and the slow building of chemistry between actors. We love being the background for that magic.

Meet the Director: Stefan Rudigier

A play is only as strong as the vision behind it. Stefan Rudigier is at the helm of this production, and his approach to Dürrenmatt’s world is both respectful and fresh. 

Under his direction, the Dramatic Nomads are spending their April and May nights here at Kreativski, dissecting the dialogue of James Yaffe’s adaptation. Watching a director work in our space is always a highlight for us. It reminds us why we built this studio: to be a place where workshops and professional productions alike can thrive without limitations.

The Dramatic Nomads Spirit

The Dramatic Nomads aren't just any theater group. Founded in 2023, they have quickly made a name for themselves in Vienna’s international English-speaking theater community. Their previous production, R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots), was a massive undertaking that showcased their ability to handle complex themes with a modern edge.

What makes them special is their commitment to ensemble work. Theater is a team sport, and seeing the cast interact in the studio is proof of that. They bring an energy that is infectious. Between the intense scenes of legal drama and moral questioning, there’s a lot of laughter and collaboration happening behind the scenes.

If you are a local creator or part of other theater companies vienna, you know how important community is. We encourage everyone to support local groups like the Nomads. You can learn more about their history and mission on the Dramatic Nomads website.

Preparing for the Stage: TheaterArche

While the "lab work" happens here at Kreativski Studios, the final explosion of creativity will take place at TheaterArche in Vienna. TheaterArche is a fantastic venue known for hosting diverse, innovative, and socially relevant performances. It’s the perfect setting for the dark, intimate atmosphere required for "The Deadly Game".

The transition from a rehearsal room to a theater stage is always a big milestone. All the work done in our Studio helps the actors prepare for the physical reality of the performance venue. We can't wait to see how the rehearsals they've done here translate to the big night.

Get Your Tickets!

The countdown has officially begun. Rehearsals start now, which means the performance dates are just around the corner. If you want to witness a masterclass in tension and psychological drama, you need to mark your calendars.

Tickets are going on sale soon!

We highly recommend keeping an eye on the official Dramatic Nomads website for the latest updates on performance times, ticket links, and cast announcements. This is a show that is likely to sell out quickly, given the popularity of the source material and the reputation of the company.

A Hub for Vienna's Creatives

At Kreativski Studios, we are more than just a place to film podcasts or take professional photos. We are a community hub. Seeing the Dramatic Nomads bring "The Deadly Game" to life in our halls reminds us of the power of live performance.

Whether you are looking for a place to host your next rehearsal, film a showreel, or conduct a creative workshop, we are here to help. Our doors are open to all the storytellers in Vienna.

If you’re interested in booking the space for your own project, feel free to check our calendar or reach out to us directly through our contact page. We’d love to help you find the perfect time to bring your vision to life.

Final Thoughts

The journey of a play from the first read-through to the final curtain call is a long and winding road. We are honored that the Dramatic Nomads chose to walk a significant portion of that road with us.

"The Deadly Game" promises to be one of the highlights of the Vienna theater season this year. With the combined genius of Friedrich Dürrenmatt, James Yaffe, and Stefan Rudigier, and the dedicated talent of the Dramatic Nomads, it’s going to be a "game" you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned for more updates from the studio, and we’ll see you at TheaterArche!