First internalized in the native language, then brought to the stage in German

International group of students staged the “Ring Parable” from *Nathan the Wise*

German teacher Dr. Claudia Röder staged the “Ring Parable” from *Nathan the Wise* with 11th-grade students in the advanced math track who are taking German as either a basic or advanced course. This was a challenge in many ways, as the group consists of Syrian, Chinese, Afghan, and German students. Even on its own, the play—which is set in Jerusalem during the Crusades and focuses on humanism and the Enlightenment’s ideals of tolerance—is not easy to perform. Performing in a language other than one’s native tongue presents an additional significant hurdle.

To tackle this as effectively as possible and foster the process of understanding, the international students first read the work in their own native languages. Lessing’s final work, featuring the protagonist Nathan, focuses on exemplary behavior regardless of the situation or religion of those involved—a topic that is both timely and emotional. The actors authentically captured the guidelines—namely, prose language with a style similar to that of modern speech. They also made targeted use of body language as required. The result was a successful and authentically staged production, reported teacher Dr. Claudia Röder. We say: Hats off to this achievement!