The article reviews a theater evening at the Residenz Theater in Munich, questioning the essence and existence of the city. It notes how the longing for Munich often becomes more pronounced when one is away from it, drawing parallels to past cultural influences, particularly highlighting the work of Helmut Dietl and Patrick Süskind, who conjured a fictional version of Munich in their works. The narrative discusses how memory and absence create a more idealized version of places, suggesting that the yearning for Munich is intertwined with its cultural heritage.

In reference to Albert Ostermaier's 'Munich Machine,' the article indicates a cosmic twist where a spaceship resembling a traditional Munich dish lands near the state chancellery, from which a fictional AI emerges. This juxtaposition of local culture with outer space imagery serves to further emphasize the contrast between Munich's grounded reality and the diverse interpretations of its existence. Ostermaier's work plays with the idea of identity in both a local and universal context, prompting audiences to reflect on what makes a place significant.

Ultimately, the theater evening serves as a catalyst for discussing Munich's cultural identity, collective memory, and the yearning for an idealized past. It highlights how art can bridge the distance between reality and myth, shaping how we perceive our hometowns and the emotional connections we develop with them.