(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com
Is it possible to explain the incomprehensible? How can anyone begin to understand what would make a man abandon a deep friendship in favour of joining a radical political movement? ‘Address Unknown’ is a stunning play from 1938 in which Kathrine Kressman looks at just these issues.
by Chris Bridges | 24th June 2013
★★★★
Max and Martin are close friends with strong bonds but when Martin moves back to his native Germany a rift grows between them; a rift that will eventually lead to rejection, betrayal and revenge. The problem being that Max is Jewish and Martin is beguiled by the emerging National Socialist Movement and becomes an official in the Nazi party.
The play is told via the medium of letters sent between the two men with alternating monologues read by each actor. The set is two small stages which sit side by side, representing the two men’s offices. The small gap between the two sets feels hundreds of miles apart as Martin’s political outlook begins to alter.
It’s a powerful piece, well staged and well acted by the two men and is much more than a dry political commentary. The story is a very human one which subtly unfolds in a well paced and intriguing manner and makes the audience both squirm in horror and laugh with glee.
Maybe you’re wondering what the relevance of a play about pre-World War Two Germany and America is to modern Britain? Artistic director, Steve Marmion points out the parallels. It’s a story about a nation in deep recession, run by a coalition government, that has just hosted the Olympic Games and has seen a rapid rise in an anti-immigration far Right vote and revenge attacks happening at places of worship.
He has a good point. Essential viewing for our modern times.
‘Address Unknown’ runs at The Soho Theatre until the 27th of July 2013
Book tickets here: http://www.sohotheatre.com/whats-on/address-unknown
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