In an unnamed Western European nation, a president and first lady recuperate in their private rooms after a failed anarchist assassination attempt that has killed the President's close ally, The Colonel, and the First Lady's beloved dog. Their son is believed to be involved with the anarchists.
Later, on a diplomatic mission in Portugal, the President entertains his mistress (The Actress). Throughout the play, the President and First Lady monologize at great length, with the other characters only making very occasional replies.
The President is assassinated offstage before the last act, which depicts his lying-in-state.
The President took place against the background of a wave of political assassinations in Western Europe, most notably that of Luis Carrero Blanco (Prime Minister of Spain) in 1973; its premiere coincided with the Stammheim trial of leaders of the Red Army Faction (Baader–Meinhof Group).[4]
The character of the First Lady was inspired by Bernhard's longtime friend Gerda Maleta.[5]
