Let's talk about a play that packs a serious punch in just five acts. Der Weibsteufel (The She-Devil) is a classic of Austrian folk drama, but don't let that 'classic' label fool you—it feels raw and immediate.

The Story

A woman lives with her much older, possessive husband in an isolated alpine hut. Their marriage is cold and full of resentment. One night, a young, handsome customs officer (a 'Jäger') seeks shelter from a storm. His arrival ignites a dangerous spark. The wife sees a chance for passion and escape, while the husband's jealousy boils over. What follows is a tense, psychological battle between the three of them, where alliances shift and hidden desires turn into deadly plans.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a story about good guys and bad guys. Schönherr makes you understand, and even pity, all three characters. The wife isn't just a 'devil'; she's a person starving for life. The husband isn't just a villain; he's a man terrified of losing everything. The setting is its own character—the remote, suffocating mountain hut mirrors the trapped feelings inside. It's a brilliant, uncomfortable look at how need and loneliness can twist people.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love tight, character-focused thrillers and don't mind subtitles (if you're reading in translation). It's for anyone who's ever wondered what really goes on behind closed doors in a strained relationship, amplified to an extreme. If you enjoyed the tense dynamics in plays like 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' or the bleak atmosphere of some Scandinavian dramas, this turn-of-the-century Austrian gem will be right up your alley.