GRAND RIOM PALACE

Charles Carisch, a millionaire living in Riom, plans to invest in his hometown. He wants to build a palatial and luxurious Grand Hotel on his grandfather’s land. A grand duke from Russia loves his idea and helps him to build this magnificent building. Soon after, they have a festive groundbreaking ceremony. In the course of this, the president of the Kleiner Rat promises to support the construction of a noble train station in Riom, which lies on the newly opened Septimer Train Line. Afterwards, the school kids sing praise, in Rumantsch and Russian, hailing the future of this little town in the Swiss Alps. Finally, in June 1914, the big ballroom is inaugurated. For this, the Grand Duke invites the High Society from the Engadine Valley to attend and celebrate along with him. But then World War I happens - and with that all glorious plans for Riom perish and fall to the ground.

The actors and singers of this open-air theatre tell the story of an ambitious hotel project set towards the end of the Belle Epoque. This gigantic structure was supposed to give this small alpine town a new perspective, create jobs and save Riom’s future. A legendary play about a timeless subject.