The greater hope lies primarily in the belief that the suffering of millions is not in vain, that it serves as a cautionary legacy. Driven by this hope, Ilse Aichinger writes her first novel, which is published in 1948. She intended to write "a report on the war period," but what emerged is one of the most important works of post-war German literature. The text is a tapestry of dreams, fairy tales, myth, and history. Anne Bennent's staging highlights the universal character of the novel. Her voice resonates with the sober conciseness of Aichinger's texts. The music also allows for ample space to unfold within this soundbook of strong language. Accordion, hang, and percussion subtly underscore and intertwine with the text. Otto Lechner: "... while a small accordion becomes an orchestra, hermetic structures lead the way.".