Dramatic exploration of faith, finance, conflict, and affection: Robert Lepage's latest production debuts at Schaubühne, exploring heavy themes and emotional depth.
Renowned theatremaker Robert Lepage is set to premiere his first work in Berlin at Schaubühne, Kurfürstendamm 153, Charlottenburg, on October 3. The show, titled "Glaube, Geld, Krieg und Liebe" (Faith, Money, War and Love), will be performed in German with English surtitles.
Lepage, founder of experimental theatre troupe Ex Machina in Quebec, is known for his innovative and unconventional approach to storytelling. His shows, such as the autofictional 887 and meditation on Japan after Hiroshima, The Seven Streams of the River Ōta, have toured globally.
For "Glaube, Geld, Krieg und Liebe," Lepage has adopted an improvisational process that eschews pre-defined themes or messages. Instead, the show's direction and thematic lines emerge organically during the process. This approach allows actors to explore roles and stories they wouldn't typically be offered, discovering their own writing abilities and interesting stories to tell.
The creation of the show involves debate and discussion among actors, with chance playing a significant role. In June 2021, Lepage selected seven actors out of ten for a five-day workshop to work on the production without a script or predefined theme. One example of this chance element was the discovery of an actor's hidden talent for magic during rehearsals.
"Glaube, Geld, Krieg und Liebe" is an exploration of Germany's postwar history, presented through four scenarios that began with improvisations based on a deck of cards. Lepage's use of a deck of cards as a starting point for his improvisational theatre process is a reflection of his broader artistic approach, which often incorporates elements of chance, multiple narratives, and multi-layered storytelling.
While specific details on why Lepage uses a deck of cards in his productions are scarce, it is believed that the cards symbolise chance, storytelling, and the weaving together of disparate elements. This interpretation is speculative, as more direct information on Lepage's exact reasoning is not available.
Audience members can expect a live and evolving performance, as the show guides the actors and production team in real-time. Each actor in the show reveals a bit of their own mystery in their performance, making each viewing a unique experience.
Don't miss this groundbreaking production at Schaubühne, Kurfürstendamm 153, Charlottenburg, starting October 3. With English surtitles, this is an opportunity to witness Lepage's innovative and unconventional approach to theatre firsthand.
The experimental and unconventional production of "Glaube, Geld, Krieg und Liebe" by Robert Lepage, premiering at Schaubühne on October 3, offers an opportunity to experience entertainment that transcends traditional storytelling. This unique theatrical presentation, which will be performed in German with English surtitles, is a product of Lepage's improvisational approach, incorporating elements of chance and multi-layered storytelling, thereby offering audience members a distinct and evolving entertainment experience.
