Staged Terror: Plays Delving into Nazi Atrocities at Düsseldorf Theater
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Schauspielhaus has recently unveiled a powerful theatrical adaptation of Hans Fallada's seminal novel, "Alone in Berlin." This gripping play tells the story of a working-class couple who bravely resist the Nazi regime by distributing subversive postcards in 1941 Berlin.
Cathleen Baumann and Florian Lange, in their respective roles as Otto and Anna Quangel, deliver compelling performances that resonate with the audience. Baumann's portrayal of a grief-stricken Anna is both heart-rending and inspiring, while Lange's Otto exudes a strong will to do what's right, despite the immense danger that surrounds them.
The play is set in an abstract space, featuring a wall of paper stacks, which serves as a poignant reminder of the Quangels' subversive actions. The production also features a youth ensemble portraying Hitler Youth, adding a chilling realism to the performance.
Meanwhile, "Blind Man's Bluff with Death," another poignant production at the Schauspielhaus, tells the story of a reunion between two Holocaust survivors, Herbert Rubinstein and Mimi. The framing story serves as a powerful catalyst for Rubinstein to confront his past, as he shares heart-wrenching poems by Selma Meerbaum, a talented young poet who perished in a forced labor camp. Natalie Hanslik delivers a moving interpretation of these poems, transforming them into unforgettable songs.
"Blind Man's Bluff with Death" is a production targeted at a teenage audience, directed by Robert Gerloff for the Young Acting Company at Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus. Only two actors, Natalie Hanslik and Leon Wieferich, take on multiple roles, effortlessly morphing into children, parents, rescuers, and villains.
It's worth noting that Hans Fallada, the socially critical writer and journalist, penned the original novel in 1947. His work continues to resonate today, as the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus brings his powerful story to the stage.
While a direct comparison between the play and the novel is not readily available, it's clear that the stage adaptation condenses and dramatizes the themes of the book for live performance. The play likely focuses more intensely on character interactions, emotional tension, and the immediacy of the moral conflict, while the novel offers a broader social and psychological canvas.
In conclusion, whether you're drawn to the emotional drama of "Alone in Berlin" or the powerful storytelling of "Blind Man's Bluff with Death," the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus offers a compelling theatrical experience that sheds light on the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.
[1] For a more specific comparison between the play and the novel, reviews or scripts of the Düsseldorf adaptation would be necessary to analyze how faithfully and effectively it translates Fallada's novel to the stage.
- The Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus not only offers entertainment through their powerful theatrical performances, but also delves into significant historical narratives, such as the gripping adaptation of Hans Fallada's "Alone in Berlin" and the poignant "Blind Man's Bluff with Death."
- "Blind Man's Bluff with Death," a production particularly targeted at a teenage audience, hosts a unique blend of entertainment and insightful storytelling, making it an engaging and educational experience for the younger viewers.
