Understanding
Switzerland
A country in continuous negotiation.
An evening in English about democracy, distrust, meetings, and the little word «oder».
“My name is Daniel Frei and I am told to be Swiss.”
How do you explain a country with four languages, seven heads of state, and no shared idea of what it actually is?
“Switzerland doesn’t exist.
It is less a country than a continuous negotiation.”
Understanding Switzerland is a live programme in English for international guests. It has been performed twice as part of Mürren’s folklore evenings, telling the story of another Switzerland. While alphorns, yodelling and traditional costumes present the visible country, this programme explores the one hidden between language, politics, humour and everyday life. A country that is often not entirely sure what it is itself.
“We trust systems more than heroes.”
Ten lessons
Ten lessons on why Swiss people keep complaining, why the little word “oder” is not really a question, and why meetings are Switzerland’s true national sport.
“We don’t ask for agreement.
We assume agreement.
Oder?”
The programme combines satire, political and cultural observation, and a dry Swiss habit of questioning oneself. It entertains without giving up on explanation and invites reflection without delivering a lecture. It laughs at Switzerland without making it ridiculous. And it takes the country seriously without romanticising it.
“Swiss people complain constantly.
This is not unhappiness.
It is quality control.”
Temporary citizenship
“I promise to value freedom.
Including the freedom of other people.
Especially when they disagree with me.”
There is no exam at the end, but there is temporary citizenship. With a Swiss oath: a promise to respect freedom even when others disagree, to resist the urge to improve everything, and to admire the mountains without assuming they belong to you.
“If one day I believe I have finally understood Switzerland, I shall, as a precaution, ask once more.”
The format
Understanding Switzerland was developed as an opening programme for Mürren’s folklore evenings. It is a work by the Ständige Vertretung MRRN, exploring Swiss peculiarities, contradictions, rituals, and misunderstandings.
It is intended for hotels, destinations, conferences, companies, and cultural institutions looking to offer international guests an intelligent and humorous introduction to Switzerland.
“Welcome to Switzerland.
At least for tonight, you belong.”
A complete understanding of Switzerland is, however, not guaranteed.
Performances
Understanding Switzerland is available for performances at hotels, conferences, destinations, and cultural institutions.
Duration: 15–60 minutes
Language: English; an introduction in German is possible
Format: Live performance for small and medium-sized audiences
Adaptation: Context and individual passages can be tailored to the venue and audience.
Understanding Switzerland. In twelve images.
On stage, Switzerland is questioned. On paper, it is distilled into a cross, four languages, 26 cantons and seven members of the Federal Council. Into CH and SUI. Into red and white.
The 2027 calendar takes you through twelve typographic interpretations of Switzerland. Large 11 × 17 in (27.94 × 43.18 cm) pages give the artwork room. Numbered months and days, Monday-first weeks and no country-specific public holidays. For Switzerland, the USA and people around the world.