herkules.exe (2026)

About the Play
What happened to Max? He used to be one of us—now he’s gone. He gradually withdrew more and more: skipping school, canceling plans, just gaming all the time. Then came that “accident.” Everyone says: bad luck. His friends say: weird. Five friends set out to find clues—and end up at a game: Herkules.exe.
Real and direct: This play was created with you. Herkules.exe wasn’t just made up—it grew out of real voices. More than 100 young people spoke with us: about heroes, games, songs, and social media. Their experiences, words, and fears have been woven into the characters and scenes. That’s why the play feels so relatable: the dialogues, the conflicts, the little excuses, and the big decisions are told by young people—and meant for young people.

What it's all about – short and sweet
At first, the game seems like a cool way to pass the time: awesome levels, heroic quests. But Herkules.exe reads more than just high scores—it knows your secret desires and senses your fears. Level by level, the line between game and reality blurs. Sleep? Gone. Friends outside? Suddenly doesn’t seem so important anymore. Only one thing can save them: their friendship. But is trust enough against a world that binds you?

Stage & Technology – The Game Experience Live
On stage, real spaces and game levels merge: projections, sound design, and live action blend into fast-paced, intense scenes. We use the latest technology—including real-time AI video generation. This means that images and game worlds are generated live and react in real time to the actors’ performances. This makes inner worlds visible and blurs the line between screen and stage right before your eyes.

Sound & Style
The play isn’t a moral lecture. It’s a thriller about growing up with a controller in hand—direct, sometimes funny, sometimes truly eerie. The language and situations are close to the everyday lives of 10- to 14-year-olds.