Nathan the Wise

Jerusalem during the Crusades: When Nathan, a Jew, returns from a business trip, he learns that his foster daughter, Recha, has been rescued from the flames of his burning house by a young Christian Templar. The Templar, in turn, owes his life to the Muslim ruler of Jerusalem, Sultan Saladin, who pardoned him as a prisoner because he bears a resemblance to his late brother Assad. Saladin, currently in financial difficulties, summons the wealthy Nathan to test his widely praised generosity. In this context, he asks him which religion is the ‘true’ one: Judaism, Christianity or Islam? Nathan, having been informed by his friend Al-Hafi of Saladin’s financial troubles, suspects a trap and decides to answer Saladin’s question with a parable – the famous Ring Parable. Yet Saladin does not seem truly convinced by Nathan’s reason and religious tolerance. But why not make use of Nathan’s humanity to accept his financial support in the interests of good business?

Current social and global political circumstances cast a new light on Lessing’s famous Enlightenment drama from 1779. A gripping political thriller exploring power, influence and the standing of different cultures.

Nathan the Wise | Theatre of the Canton of Zurich