New ARD Drama "Doitscha" Explores Jewish Life in Germany After October 7
Based on Adriana Altaras's novel, the film brings urgent contemporary conflicts and familial tensions to the screen.
The new television drama "Doitscha – Alles geht vorüber" premiered on November 4 on Das Erste and became available on the ARD Mediathek, bringing conversations about contemporary Jewish life in Germany to a national audience. The film adapts Adriana Altaras's 2014 semi-autobiographical novel "Doitscha – Eine jüdische Mutter packt aus," shifting the narrative timeline to the present day to address the social realities faced by German Jews following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
At the center of the story is Adriana, a Jewish mother living in Cologne with her non-Jewish husband, Georg, and their two sons, David and Sammy. Lead actress Oriana Schrage explained that the production diverges significantly from the original book by incorporating current geopolitical tensions. "For me, it is an absolute rarity to participate in a project that is as up-to-date as the film adaptation of 'Doitscha,'" Schrage noted in an interview.
The plot follows the family as they prepare for the anniversary of the Reichspogromnacht while confronting escalating tensions inside and outside their home. The title itself stems from a mocking nickname coined by the older son David, who frequently addresses his Westphalian father as "Doitscha" to highlight his heritage and perceived stereotypical German traits. This friction underscores deeper questions regarding identity, belonging, and the realities of living within a dominant society.
Throughout the narrative, the family members navigate a series of painful confrontations. While the younger son Sammy deals with antisemitic hostility at school, David develops an intense identification with Israel, leading to profound ideological friction with his father. In one particularly poignant scene, Georg admits to wishing his children were not Jewish, while another moment features David remarking that people in Germany prefer dead Jews to those who fight back. Schrage reflected on shooting these intense sequences, stating that certain lines left a deeper impact on her during production than anticipated.
Despite its heavy themes, the film maintains a balanced tone by incorporating humor into the depiction of everyday family chaos. Schrage emphasized that humor serves as a vital tool for addressing sensitive issues and connecting with audiences. "Humor is an important key to asking questions and touching people," she said, adding that it allows the multifaceted character of Adriana to be perceived as genuinely flawed yet relatable.
The television project also highlights broader discussions about representation in the entertainment industry. Schrage, who co-founded the Swiss advocacy association "Female Act," pointed out that older actresses frequently face a decline in visibility and complex roles after turning forty. By portraying Adriana as a dynamic, fully realized woman in the middle of life, the drama breaks away from one-dimensional maternal tropes and offers a nuanced portrayal that mirrors the complexities of modern identity.