Comedy and tragedy go hand in hand in this story about an absurdist power struggle set in a remand penitentiary. While he awaits trial, manipulative celebrity entrepreneur Markus Føns enters custody after being accused of financial fraud. His imperious attitude, however, doesn’t go over well with either the prison staff or the general population. Before long, a bruised and shaken Markus requests voluntary isolation in the ward that houses the prison’s most vulnerable inmates, including pedophiles and rapists. As long as the detainees in the isolation ward obey the rules, they can fill their time in remand limbo with activities such as fitness or handicrafts, and receive financial and emotional rewards. But Markus, with his designer wardrobe and expensive lawyer, believes himself a breed apart and stirs up trouble by challenging the leadership of choir master Niels. Aided by a spot-on score and notable production and sound design, director Frederikke Aspöck achieves a tricky tonal balance and sets a snappy pace.

Director Frederikke Aspöck is expected to be in attendance on January 3 and 4.