On the birthday of Heinrich Himmler, former SS leader, Rudolf Höller celebrates a special day. Once he was camp commander, now he is a respected chairman of the court about to retire. In the Höller family house, a bitter, claustrophobic celebration unfolds. His sister Vera shares his nostalgic tribute. Their younger sister Clara – bound to her wheelchair and to the horrific memories of the past – looks on in horror. It becomes a celebration of guilt, resentment, denial, and moral decay. And about family ties that can never be broken. 

Director Tom Dewispelaere places this suffocating family drama in our present time. Far-right ideas and statements that were once unacceptable are now seen as normal. This makes Bernhard's work more relevant than ever. Before Retirement is not a history lesson, but an invitation to continue reflecting on the shadows of the past. How do they continue to haunt us in the present? And how far do people go in their search for stability? 

• text Thomas Bernhard translation Hans W. Bakx direction Tom Dewispelaere performance Pierre Bokma, Tiny Bertels, Katelijne Damen production Toneelhuis | Olympique Dramatique