Philipp Hochmair is Jedermann.
In a passionate tour de force, Hochmair takes on all the roles, transforming Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s play into a polyphonic monologue. A dialogue with two microphones. One for Jedermann and one for the others. His Jedermann is a rock star.
Driven by guitar riffs and experimental sounds from the band Die Elektrohand Gottes, Philipp Hochmair transforms the 100-year-old mystery play into an apocalyptic spoken-word concert. “The Story of the Rich Man’s Life and Death” becomes a haunting total experience, revealing Jedermann as a contemporary figure who burns out in his insatiable greed for money and intoxication. The theme is timeless and eternally relevant: “What remains of my life when it comes time to die?”
Beginning as an experiment at Hamburg’s Thalia Theater in 2013, he and his band, “Die Elektrohand Gottes,” have continued to develop the performance ever since. Work in progress. Philipp Hochmair has been touring with *Jedermann Reloaded*—with a rotating cast and prominent guest appearances—on stages large and small both at home and abroad, such as at the Burgtheater in Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Prinzregentheater in Munich, and at an open-air performance at Clam Castle.
“My first encounter with *Jedermann* in Salzburg as a young audience member was disappointing. The nature of the event remained alien to me. I was left alone with my questions, with the enigma of *Jedermann*. This sense of confusion led to the desire to transform the ponderous theatrical spectacle into a light-footed monologue. In 2013, a meeting with Tobias Herzz Hallbauer—through his Alexander Moissi project—led to the founding of the band ‘Die Elektrohand Gottes.’ We wanted to create a unique listening experience to get even closer to Jedermann’s thoughts and feelings—as well as to the poetry, the sound, and that special language. The result is an intimate insight, a journey into Jedermann’s mind. And while Hofmannsthal sought to make the present visible in the past, our interpretation—with the provocative attitude of a rock concert—highlights the transience of the present.” - Philipp Hochmair
His many years of intensive engagement with Hofmannsthal’s original text enabled Philipp Hochmair to to step in overnight in the summer of 2018 for the ailing Tobias Moretti and—to unanimous acclaim from the press and audience—take on the role of “Jedermann” on Domplatz at the Salzburg Festival.
In 2024, Philipp Hochmair was officially cast as Jedermann at the Salzburg Festival and celebrated by the audience as the “Jedermann of their hearts.” This year, he will take the stage for the third time in the title role on Domplatz, directed by Robert Carsen.
THE ELECTRIC HAND OF GOD
The band
Austrian high culture meets Dresden East punks. The core band members include guitarist Tobias Herzz Hallbauer, electronic sound artist Jörg Schittkowski, bassist Rajko Gohlke, and drummer Bastien Eifler. Hanns Clasen is responsible for the arrangements and sound design. The band is supported by Austrian drummer Fritz Rainer for special performances.
Translated with DeepL
