Grenzverläufe
Grenzverläufe tells the story of two brothers, Jirka and Karol, who live with their nephew Tomas in a small Czech village near the impenetrable German-Czech border, shortly before the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Eighteen years ago, Jirka and Karol had planned to escape to the West. But life took a different turn—their sister Eliska died unexpectedly, leaving behind her five-year-old son, Tomas. The brothers gave up their dream and devoted themselves to raising him.
Now, Tomas is 23, but he remains timid, reluctant to take charge of his own life. A heated argument on his birthday reignites old tensions, prompting Jirka to revisit their long-abandoned plan. Once again, the brothers attempt to break free from their reality. But, just like before, fate intervenes—this time in the form of Krystina, a young woman who unexpectedly enters their lives. Tomas and Krystina fall in love, and although the escape never happens, everything changes once again.
Set against the backdrop of a rigid socialist society, Grenzverläufe explores themes of stagnation, longing, and the cyclical nature of choices. The brothers’ struggle to break free mirrors Tomas’ hesitation to carve his own path, and in the end, while they never escape, their world expands in an unforeseen way.
The piece was nominated for the radio play competition "Premiere im Netz" (later renamed "Pinball")
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A piece by: Korbinian and Rupert Jaud
Written by: Korbinian Jaud
Adapted for radio by: Rupert JaudCast:
Jirka: Jürgen Jung
Karol: Helmut Stange
Tomas: Korbinian Jaud
Krystina: Kia Böck
Recording Assistance: Niels Ringler
Direction & Production: Rupert Jaud -
This piece was my final project as part of my Media Design (Audio for Radio & Broadcast) training at Bayerischer Rundfunk.