Bernhard Kellermann takes a shocking chapter from history and turns it into gripping drama. It's 1534 in the German city of Münster. A radical Protestant sect, the Anabaptists, seizes control. They kick out anyone who doesn't share their beliefs and declare the city a holy kingdom. What follows is a year of extreme social change, intense paranoia, and a brutal siege by the surrounding forces who want to crush this rebellion.

The Story

The play follows key figures like Jan Matthys and Jan van Leiden, the charismatic and ruthless leaders of the new regime. We see them through the eyes of regular citizens—people who are hopeful, scared, or swept up in the chaos. They ban money, enforce polygamy, and rule with a mix of divine prophecy and sheer terror. As the outside army tightens its grip, the utopian dream inside the city walls begins to crack under pressure, hunger, and fear.

Why You Should Read It

Kellermann doesn't just give us a history lesson. He makes you feel the heat of fanaticism and the chilling cost of absolute power. The characters aren't just 'good' or 'bad'; they're complex people making terrible choices for what they think are the right reasons. It's a stark look at how quickly idealism can turn into tyranny, and how easily a crowd can be led. Written in the early 20th century, it also feels like a quiet warning for its own turbulent times.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves historical fiction that packs a punch. If you enjoyed the tense, claustrophobic feel of The Crucible or the moral complexities of Wolf Hall, you'll find a lot to chew on here. It's a powerful, fast-paced play about faith, power, and the human cost of revolution. Be prepared—it's not a comfortable read, but it's one that sticks with you.