TVSPIELFILM.de: “Vera Bader will also appear in further episodes, but at some point the story of the illness will surely be over,” you told us in February 2022. Did you now have a say in the nature of the ending?
Claudia Wenceslaus: I had a lot of say when we decided on the story of dementia around Vera Bader four years ago. When Saxonia Media approached me last year and wanted to end the character very emotionally, we decided on death and therefore also on the end of the role. It was a very professional collaboration with the production company, just like an actress would want. I’m grateful for that, because it was also a sign of respect and recognition for my work as Vera Bader.
The Alzheimer’s story stretched out over several years, what was the challenge of playing that? How did you prepare?
When the producer approached me about giving the character Vera Bader a completely different twist (after the beast in the show), I immediately went with it. A wonderful challenge for an actress, which we always wish for in this profession.
Luckily there are no people with dementia in my area. So I looked for a nursing home near Berlin, in Panketal, introduced myself there and expressed my concern to be able to observe people suffering from dementia. The staff was very open, the manager of the facility, Ms. Matthes, gave me a lot of support. The biggest compliment, when the first episodes aired, was the positive response to my portrayal from the nursing home. I was there a few times afterwards – for the summer festival, just to say thank you. I see it as my job as an actress to prepare like this.
Getting out wasn’t easy either. What was it like playing “dead” given the emotions shown by Kaminski/Schenk?
“Playing dead” is a pain in the ass. A lot of thoughts go through your head and I was very excited before this day of shooting. Udo Schenk, my Kaminski, played my death with all its emotions brilliantly. When he took my hand by the bed and cried, I had to pull myself together not to cry too.
What will you miss without “In All Friendship”?
I will miss my beloved colleagues, in front of and behind the camera. But the contacts will not break off. And “my” Leipzig. My professional career began in this city: I studied acting, I was a member of the ensemble at the Leipziger Schauspielhaus for 12 years and now I have been in the Sachsenklinik for 14 years. Leipzig was always like coming home. But let’s see, there are other film projects in town…
You were last seen in “Der Bergdoktor”. Are you still following the story of the Grubers?
I still watch “Bergdoktor” because it’s a very good series, an enrichment on German TV. Hans Sigl as a mountain doctor is simply amazing and there are always very exciting stories in dream landscapes.
Is a comeback planned?
My role of Thea Hochstätter had been there since 2019. Let’s see how the stories about the mountain doctor develop. Of course I would be happy to be there again as a grandmother-in-law.
What’s on your calendar for 2023?
Theatrical performances are planned again this year. I love that very much and otherwise I’m now on “hold” – like many actors. I have an agency that puts me in place for this. But there are already new shooting requests! So I’m very relaxed and full of optimism about the work.
