Seeking Nietzsche (Full-length play) by Marcia Eppich-Harris

With the nationalist composer Richard Wagner as Friedrich Nietzsche’s surrogate father and the Nazis' appropriation of Wagner’s music and Nietzsche’s philosophy, many have questioned whether Nietzsche and his works are on the right side of history. Seeking Nietzsche ponders who determines the answer to this question. When Nietzsche falls into madness, his nationalist sister, Elisabeth, takes over the...
With the nationalist composer Richard Wagner as Friedrich Nietzsche’s surrogate father and the Nazis' appropriation of Wagner’s music and Nietzsche’s philosophy, many have questioned whether Nietzsche and his works are on the right side of history. Seeking Nietzsche ponders who determines the answer to this question. When Nietzsche falls into madness, his nationalist sister, Elisabeth, takes over the management of his literary estate, but knowing that the siblings disagree on just about everything, Nietzsche’s friend, Lou Salomé, takes it upon herself to recover Nietzsche’s legacy and reveal his inner psychology. Meanwhile, Elisabeth outlives Nietzsche by thirty-five years and becomes close to Hitler. Influenced by Nietzsche’s theory of eternal recurrence, as well as his madness at the end of his life, the narrative jumps back and forth in time and into the afterlife to tell the tale of the ever-suffering philosopher.
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Seeking Nietzsche (Full-length play)

Recommended by

  • Ricardo Soltero-Brown:
    22 Jul. 2023
    “ The first thing to make an impression is Eppich-Harris' poetic language, which serves as a beautiful ushering in to a journey about legacy. We feel in safe hands due to a resplendent atmosphere of skillfully chosen historical settings for struggles in love, debate, and power; each scene setting up a specific question regarding Nietzsche's work and its socio-political placement, his wellness, and Elisabeth's will to impose interpretation. Indeed there are generous insights into Nietzsche's work in philosophy and literature, but a remarkable achievement here is Eppich-Harris' rendering of a human drama. The play is structured to flow, engage, and inspire. ”
  • Angels Theatre Company:
    9 May. 2023
    “ 2022-23 Salon Reading Series Selection
    In Seeking Nietzsche, Marcia Eppich-Harris adeptly weaves history, philosophy, and emotional life into a complex and often misunderstood philosopher. Using a handful of supporting characters, Eppic-Harris tackles the misinterpretation of Nietzsche’s work while providing us a glimpse of the flesh and blood human behind the literary and philosophical reputation. Highly recommended. Our audience responded positively to this play. ”
  • Christopher Soucy:
    10 Oct. 2022
    “ Another amazing presentation of a historic philosopher from Marcia Eppich-Harris. Such an incredible deep dive into a man whose thoughts helped shape the modern world. But we know more about his thoughts, many of which were misappropriated, than the man. Eppich-Harris deftly balances the expectations with the humanity to deliver a triumphant, intimate story that challenges what we know and reinforces what we hope. I am certain this play is enthralling onstage because it is on the page. ”
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Character Information

  • Friedrich Nietzsche
    30s-40s
    24-54 years old in the play, but can be played by any middle-aged man. A philosopher, writer, professor, and polemicist.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Elisabeth Förester-Nietzsche
    late 20s - 80s
    Nietzsche's sister, 22-89 years old in the play, but should be played by middle-aged woman. A devout Christian, anti-semitic, and (eventually) supporter of the Nazis.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Lou Salomé
    25-35
    A writer, and eventually a psychiatrist and scholar, as well as the love of Nietzsche's life. Should be played by a beautiful woman between 25-35.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Richard Wagner
    50s-70s
    Famous composer, father figure to Nietzsche. 50s-70s in the play, should be played by a man in that age range.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Doctor
    50s-70s
    A physician who takes care of Nietzsche. (Can/should be doubled with WAGNER)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Hitler
    Yep, that Hitler. (Can/should be doubled with WAGNER -- not going for realism here.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Nazi
    Any
    A Nazi soldier (voice -- spoken in unison by Lou Salomé and Richard Wagner.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Southbank Theatre Company
    ,
    2022
  • Reading
    ,
    Indiana Playwrights Circle
    ,
    2021

Production History

Awards

Honorable Mention
,
Epiphanies New Play Festival
,
Wild Imaginings
,
2022