The renowned graphic novel Berlin by Jason Lutes is making its theatrical debut at Court Theatre from April 19 to May 11. Directed by Charles Newell and adapted by playwright Mickle Maher, this exciting production dives into the turmoil of the Weimar Republic as Hitler’s regime takes shape. Newell, having directed for three decades, and Maher, an acclaimed playwright and educator, are eager to adapt this expansive work whose depth challenges conventional stage storytelling.
Their adaptation will condense a sprawling narrative of 550 pages into a two-hour experience, featuring a core cast of 12 actors without an intermission, creating a continuous flow of action and dialogue. Maher notes that, while the play includes music, it leans more towards a dramatic interpretation than a traditional musical, providing a fresh outlook by focusing on the rich tapestry of lives during a pivotal historical period.
The greatest challenge has been translating the graphic novel’s visuals onto the stage. Unlike film adaptations, stage adaptations of comics can be complex. They intend to use innovative theatrical devices, such as creating still tableaux to draw attention to intimate moments, exemplifying how Lutes presents relationships visually in his original work. The creative team is focused on employing physicality, movement, and design to evoke the sense of a dynamic river that runs through the city’s history.
Through this inventive adaptation, audiences are invited to explore the tumultuous beauty of Weimar Germany with fresh eyes, experiencing the chaos and vibrancy of that era in a way that only live theatre can conjure. Jason Lutes, the creator of the original graphic novel, relives his artistic vision by reconnecting with his work in this exciting new context, capturing the essence of Berlin once more.
The graphic novel *Berlin* debuts on stage at Court Theatre from April 19 to May 11, directed by Charles Newell and adapted by Mickle Maher. The adaptation condenses the novel’s narrative into a continuous two-hour performance featuring 12 actors, using innovative techniques to convey intimate moments. Emphasising the vibrant chaos of Weimar Germany, the adaptation aims to deliver a fresh perspective on a significant historical era.
*Berlin* by Jason Lutes is transformed for the stage at Court Theatre, offering a rich, dynamic interpretation of Weimar Germany’s turbulent years. Director Charles Newell and playwright Mickle Maher expertly condense the graphic novel’s expansive narrative into a two-hour experience, employing innovative theatrical techniques to highlight intimate moments and the overarching metaphor of a river. This vibrant adaptation invites audiences to journey through the chaos of a crucial historical period, while Lutes revisits his celebrated graphic work in this fresh context.
Original Source: www.chicagomag.com
