Berlin
Mickle Maher's new adaptation, "Berlin," based on the Graphic Novel by Jason Lutes narrative, is set against the backdrop of the collapse of the Weimar Republic. It explores the disturbing ascent of the Nazi Party and the ominous rise of Hitler, all while Germany deals with severe economic turmoil. The storming ascension of the Great Depression and a fragile constitution opened the door for extremist factions. Through the eyes of twelve individuals, "Berlin" offers a glimpse into their lives as they navigate the shifting dynamics of a declining civilization. Their struggles reflect how this period affected their relationships, enduring hardships and being marked by fear, uncertainty, and radical change. Berlin is in the shadows of fascism, fueling a fierce surge of revolutionary groups. Tensions are mounting, and the city's streets are becoming the battleground for those who dare to challenge the rising tide of oppression. Within this tumultuous environment, artists and creatives like Marthe Müller and Mo Shipley endeavor to capture their evolving city's complex and often chaotic essence. As tensions rise and the threat of fascism invades the residents of Berlin, they face a pivotal choice: to leave in search of stability elsewhere or to stay and confront the mounting challenges.
The narrative begins with Marthe Müller, a passionate art student, who captivates the audience by inviting one individual to remain completely still as she draws their portrait. As she pours her heart into her art, she encounters Kurt Severing, a journalist whose presence sparks a relationship. Their connection unravels, primarily influenced by Kurt's former lover, the enigmatic Margarethe von Falkensee. As the story unfolds, Marthe explores her evolving feelings and eventually finds solace in the company of Anna, a fellow art student. The play artfully weaves in the stories of other compelling characters, such as Gudrun, a determined woman whose courage leads her to leave her mentally abusive husband in search of empowerment within the communist party. Gudrun is killed during a protest, leaving her daughter, Silvia, to survive on the streets of Berlin. We also meet Kid Hogan, a talented African-American jazz musician, who struggles with his desire to remain in Germany or leave with his devoted lover, Pola Mosse, a captivating singer who enchants audiences at a bustling Berlin nightclub, urges him to go before the tides of change turn even more dire. The cast of Berlin includes Raven Whitley (Marthe Müller), Tim Decker (Kurt Severing), Terry Bell (Kid Hogan), Kate Collins (Margarethe von Falkensee), Jack Doherty (David Schwartz), Ellie Duffey (Silvia Braun), Molly Hernández (Pola Mosse); Elizabeth Laidlaw (Gudrun Braun/Adolf Hitler), Brandon Ruiter (Theo Müller), Mo Shipley (Anna Lenke); HB Ward (Otto Braun); with Christopher Meister performing this night as Otto Schmidt. Müller, Decker, and Shipley performed outstandingly. Duffey provided electrifying passion and rage in her performance, and Laidlaw astounded me at how she hauntingly embodied Hilter.
Berlin's origins come from a comic book series by Jason Lutes, which was then re-released in book form. The series describes life in Berlin from 1928 to 1933, during the decline of the Weimar Republic. The play exhibits fluid yet chaotic pacing that keeps the audience engaged but occasionally disoriented. Lutes, the playwright, is often critiqued for his pacing issues, and I felt that some scenes appeared to be inserted without a clear purpose or connection to the surrounding narrative. Maher, who spent more than four years working on this production, admitted that adapting graphic novels—which took Jason Lutes twenty years to write and are over 500 pages long—isn't done very often. Maher made a gallant attempt to breathe life into this condensed narrative, which, at times, was engaging and intriguing. With a multitude of characters weaving their own stories and a stimulating collision of narratives, it feels like a high-speed car race teetering on a head-on crash. By extending the run of "Berlin," Court Theatre is counting on its ability to deliver high-quality productions to attract an audience, which will help this play, which feels lethargic and needs a focused boost.
⭐⭐1/2
Court Theatre
The World premiere of
Berlin
A New Adaptation by Mickle Maher
Based on the
Graphic Novel by Jason Lutes
Directed by Charles Newell
Extended through May 18, 2025
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