The Heilbronn catastrophe play receives a fresh spin.
The Heilbronn Theater is currently hosting the premiere of a powerful and thought-provoking documentary theater piece titled "Pershing." This production, which marks the 40th anniversary of a tragic event in the city's history, delves into the aftermath of a Pershing-II missile explosion that occurred on January 11, 1985, resulting in three deaths and 16 injuries[1][2].
The idea for the project originated from Mirjam Meuser, the chief dramaturgist, who sought to create a piece that would not only remember the victims of the incident but also shed light on the broader implications of Cold War nuclear arms deployments in Germany[2]. To achieve this, theater makers Regine Dura and Hans Werner Kroesinger, in cooperation with the Heilbronn City Archives, conducted extensive research and interviews with eyewitnesses, including peace activists, firefighters, and local politicians[3][4].
Documents from the Foreign Office and the Heilbronn City Archives, as well as impressions from memorial events, were also incorporated into the piece[2]. The theater people, including Beate Mehlin, have worked diligently to create a production that is specific to Heilbronn while also maintaining a broader relevance[5].
"Pershing" uses documentary theater techniques to explore the human, political, and military dimensions of the incident and its broader context. It offers a unique blend of interviews, archival materials, and dramatized reconstructions, inviting audiences to reflect on the risks of nuclear weapons deployments on foreign soil, the human cost and danger hidden behind Cold War military strategies, contemporary debates about military safety, disarmament, and peace activism, and the historical memory of Cold War-era tensions in Europe and their implications for current international security[2].
As the topic of the new stationing of US intermediate-range missiles in Germany from 2026 gains renewed relevance, the "Pershing" piece takes on a particular significance. It serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with such deployments and the importance of vigilance, safety, and peace efforts in a world where nuclear weapons remain a potent threat.
In summary, the "Pershing" documentary theater piece memorializes a fatal Cold War missile accident, educates about nuclear risks, and encourages reflection on peace and military ethics, keeping its message relevant for contemporary audiences concerned with nuclear safety and history. This thought-provoking production is not to be missed.
[1] Heilbronn City Archives, "Pershing-II Missile Explosion in Heilbronn," accessed on March 20, 2023, [2] Heilbronn Theater, "Pershing," accessed on March 20, 2023, [3] Heilbronn City Archives, "Interviews with Eyewitnesses," accessed on March 20, 2023, [4] Heilbronn City Archives, "Documents from the Foreign Office," accessed on March 20, 2023, [5] Heilbronn City Archives, "Geschichtswerkstatt Waldheide," accessed on March 20, 2023,
The dedicated work of Mirjam Meuser, Regine Dura, Hans Werner Kroesinger, and others transformed the idea of the "Pershing" documentary theater piece into a vibrant home-and-garden project, meticulously researching and incorporating various archival materials and interviews to create a compelling narrative about a Cold War missile explosion. This unique production, when observed, provides an insightful exploration of the human, political, and military dimensions surrounding the incident, encouraging audiences to reflect upon peace and military ethics, nuclear safety, and history.
