Our Chance for a Shift in Perspective: “Lotfullah and Citizenship”
On May 9th, our office outing took us out of the usual setting of our law firm and away from the routines of everyday legal work—onto the stages of Vienna’s renowned Burgtheater. Here, we had the opportunity to take on new roles and experience a citizenship application process from the perspective of an applicant.
From Office Chair to Center Stage
To set the tone for the play “Lotfullah and Citizenship,” we took part in a preparatory workshop. On the Burgtheater’s rehearsal stage, guided by Marie Theissing—musician and performer in the production—we explored the themes of the play through music and acting exercises. We then watched the performance in the theater’s Vestibül, witnessing how the ensemble brought this topic to life.
One Story, Yet Not an Isolated Case
The performance tells the story of Lotfullah Yusufi, who fled Afghanistan alone in 2015 at just 15 years old, traveling through Pakistan to reach Austria. However, the play focuses less on his escape and more on what many refugees face upon arriving in Austria. Accompanied by a “citizenship choir,” Lotfullah shares his experiences with the Austrian bureaucracy as the play’s central character. His dream of becoming an Austrian citizen is marked by endless administrative hurdles, cryptic official language, and long waiting times. The performance reminds us what a privilege it is to be born with Austrian citizenship.
Between Lightness and Gravity
The theater group masterfully presents the harrowing events in a creative and entertaining way. Though humorous elements lighten the mood, the performance never lets us forget the immense resilience required to navigate the complex bureaucratic system. Beneath the play’s lighthearted delivery lies a constant undertone of heaviness. The endless waiting, the sense of powerlessness, and the uncertainty that people like Lotfullah endure serve as a powerful reminder of how vital it is to have a supportive and meaningful social environment.
A Valuable Experience for Our Work in Immigration Law
As a law firm specializing in immigration and citizenship law, we are well aware of the long road to Austrian citizenship. We understand the concerns of our clients who fear not receiving a residence permit in time. Every day, we support people whose stories resemble Lotfullah’s. This experience offered us valuable insight into the emotional and mental world of someone overcoming numerous obstacles to become a citizen of this country.
Are you considering applying for Austrian citizenship or have already submitted an application and need legal advice and support? Schedule a consultation with us today.
Interested in joining our dynamic team and taking on a meaningful, fulfilling role? Then please send your application (cover letter, CV, references, employment certificates) to: karriere@rihs.law.
Author: Nora Primoschitz