Theatre against prejudice: rimon productions presents "Either...or" at the LernWerk

How do prejudices arise? What does Jewish identity mean, and who actually decides what is "Jewish" or "non-Jewish"? These and other questions were explored in the play "Either...or" by Jean-Claude Grumberg, which rimon productions staged for school groups at the LernWerk Bocholt on 28 and 29 September 2026. The performances were organised by the Culture Department, the Bocholt City Archives and the Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg Adult Education Centre (VHS).

Over the course of three performances, pupils from St Josef Gymnasium, Euregio Gymnasium and Israel van Meckenem Realschule experienced an unusual take on a topical social issue. The school performances were supported by the North Rhine-Westphalia State Commissioner for Combating Anti-Semitism, Jewish Life and Remembrance Culture, as well as by the Borken District Democracy Fund.

Two neighbours, one question

At the heart of Grumberg's comedy are two neighbours who, until now, have barely more than exchanged a few words. Then one of them asks the other a seemingly simple question: "Are you Jewish?". This question sparks an increasingly heated exchange. Over the course of nine scenes, the two men discuss religion, Jewish identity, circumcision and dietary habits, as well as money, prejudice and even the Middle East conflict.

In the process, supposedly clear-cut notions are repeatedly called into question. The Jewish neighbour is confronted with clichés, but turns the tables and, in turn, questions his neighbour's assumptions. Grumberg skilfully blends humour and seriousness, everyday situations and socio-political issues.

When prejudices suddenly crop up in everyday life

For a young audience in particular, the play offers a direct insight into the mechanisms of prejudice and stereotypes. After all, anti-Semitic attributions do not appear exclusively in major political debates. They can also manifest themselves in seemingly harmless questions, supposed 'facts' or offhand remarks.

Theatre as a contribution to democratic education

With the three school performances at the LernWerk Bocholt, the theatre thus became a space for engagement: pupils were able to engage with a significant theatrical text and subsequently discuss issues that also affect their own lives.