Sword and Crown - Master of Deception

No one ascends to the throne in a state of pure innocence. December 1137, in front of a miserable hut in a village in Tyrol: Emperor Lothar is dead. He has been struck down by illness while retreating from Italy. Row by row, the noblest of his knights kneel, their swords plunged into the snow, heads bowed, silently in prayer. Their faces reflect horror, sorrow, and bitterness. One question looms in their minds: Who will be Lothar's successor? This marks the beginning of a cunning game of intrigue for the throne, involving the Welfs, Ascanian, and Wettin families, who have no qualms about using their swords. Not only princes and clergy fiercely contest power in the empire, but also many women – employing very different means. Gabriele Blum is a co-founder of the Bremen Shakespeare Company and the Theater aus Bremen/TAB. As an actress, director, and author, she has participated in numerous theater productions. Her versatility is also evident in her work as an audiobook narrator. Whether it’s classic literature, children’s books, or bloody crime stories – her warm, mature voice makes every reading an exciting event.