Gerti Drassl's Relationship Rollercoaster: New Comedy "Not How We Raised You" Airs Tonight
Honestly, folks, who hasn't at some point wished they could spend a day in the shoes of Gerti Drassl? Tonight, you might almost get a bit envious – but only almost. Because while the South Tyrolean native goes through a full-blown relationship crisis on screen, the rest of us can sit back comfortably at home and take in the bigger picture. The new TV comedy "Not How We Raised You" premieres tonight at 8:15 pm and turns the lives of two mothers completely upside down.
A Family, a Man, and Total Chaos
Director Michael Kreihsl and screenwriter Uli Brée – a master of Austrian humour – have cooked up something really special here: Gerti Drassl plays Inka, who, together with her partner Balbina (the brilliant Brigitte Hobmeier), has been living a picture-perfect family life for over 20 years. The two feminists, back in the day all about sperm donation and idealism, raised their daughter Hedwig (Alina Schaller) to be a politically correct model child. And it's all working out wonderfully – until Hedwig comes home one fine day and announces that not only has she met a man, but she's going to marry this Andreas (Julian Pichler).
Yes, that's right: A man! For a daughter who never needed a father figure! It's all a bit much for Inka and Balbina. And if you think that's the end of it, you haven't factored in best friend Edgar (Thomas Mraz), the future in-laws from Tyrol, or grumpy pub owner Toni (Wolfgang Böck). They all have to stick their oar in, and the chaos spirals from there.
"It's Not About Gender, But About Power Structures"
While it sounds like a classic farce, it does have some depth. Gerti Drassl recently revealed what the role is really about for her: "We drop into a relationship that's already 25 years old, and suddenly, completely different needs collide over the course of a single afternoon. As Inka, I never saw a contradiction between being a feminist and a housewife – I felt very fulfilled as a mother."
And then there's this wonderful line from her, one to remember: "It's not about gender, but about power structures. After a long time, you can lose respect for each other – whether it's a same-sex relationship or not." Brigitte Hobmeier adds dryly: "The idea that homogeneous relationships are more harmonious is just an assumption. We all deal with jealousy, hurt, and feelings of abandonment."
A South Tyrolean in Vienna
If you've followed Gerti Drassl for a while, you'll know: The actress, born in Eppan in 1978, has long since won a place in the hearts of the Austrian public. After studying art history, she went on to the Max Reinhardt Seminar, then straight into the ensemble of the prestigious Josefstadt Theatre. Whether it's theatre, film, or television – she does it all. And how! She's scooped both the German Acting Award and the Austrian Film Prize, most recently in 2023 for "Märzengrund."
In her private life, she's firmly based in Vienna, speaks fluent Italian alongside German, and even has a South Tyrolean dialect. But what many don't know: Gerti Drassl is also a bit of a music fanatic. In a radio interview, she once introduced her "favourite pieces" – from Tracy Chapman and David Bowie to Muse. And she even has a very special memory of her father: "He worked in a bank, but was a passionate actor. We performed together in a well-known Viennese theatre."
What's in Store for Us Tonight
The comedy has actually been available online for 24 hours already, but for all the traditionalists, the full viewing pleasure is on the telly tonight at 8:15 pm. So, if you're in the mood for:
- a healthy dose of Viennese wit (dry, please!),
- two actresses you can't help but love,
- family secrets coming to light,
- and Wolfgang Böck, properly grumbling as pub owner Toni,
then you should mark the date in your calendar. Because one thing's for sure: when Gerti Drassl and Brigitte Hobmeier share the screen, it's never boring. And when the question of who Hedwig's biological father actually is hangs in the air – well, the popcorn will be gone before the film has even properly started.
With that in mind: Lights, camera, action!