"The Last Days of Mankind"

"The Last Days of Mankind" is a lengthy, satirical play by Karl Kraus that depicts the chaos, violence, and absurdity of World War I. Through sharp irony and complex characters, it criticizes the societal, political, and media responses to the conflict, highlighting humanity’s self-destructive tendencies. The play explores how propaganda, nationalism, and widespread despair contribute to the suffering and the breakdown of moral values during wartime. It serves as a powerful commentary on the horrors and futile nature of war, encouraging viewers to reflect on the consequences of human conflict and the importance of truth.