This spring, a vibrant array of world premieres is blossoming on Chicago’s theatre scene, highlighting bold stories and innovative adaptations. Among these is the ambitious production of “Berlin,” an original interpretation of Jason Lutes’s remarkable graphic novel, which delves into the poignant final years of the Weimar Republic, showcasing ordinary lives amidst historical turmoil.
Directed by Charles Newell, formerly the artistic director at Court Theatre, “Berlin” has been evolving for four to five years. Inspired by executive director Angel Ysaguirre, Newell engaged Mickle Maher to adapt the novel into a play, emphasising the relevance of its narrative amid contemporary global shifts. The team faced the challenges of selecting which characters and stories to spotlight, ultimately aiming for a dynamic theatrical experience rather than strict fidelity to the original text.
In a thrilling creative turn, the decision was made to draw exclusively from the novel without replicating its illustrations or using puppetry—opening up a creative space that breathes life into the historical essence of Berlin. Inspired by Pina Bausch, Newell expresses a desire for movement to flow like a rushing river through the production.
Focusing on around a dozen characters, each actor embodies multiple roles, reflecting the original’s complexity while ensuring the performance remains manageable. Newell acknowledges that some beloved characters from the novel may be absent, but this is a natural consequence of adapting such an expansive work. He relishes the collaborative spirit of creating theatre with fellow artists.
“Berlin” is scheduled to run from April 19 through May 11 at Court Theatre. Other noteworthy world premieres to look forward to include Zora Howard’s “Bust” at Goodman Theatre, Keiko Green’s “Gorgeous” at Raven Theatre, and several others exploring themes of personal and societal conflict.
This spring, Chicago theatres unveil exciting world premieres, with “Berlin” at Court Theatre being the standout, exploring the Weimar Republic through a unique adaptation. Directed by Charles Newell, it focuses on movement and character over visual fidelity, set to run from April 19 to May 11. Other noteworthy premieres to explore include Zora Howard’s “Bust” and Keiko Green’s “Gorgeous.”
In conclusion, spring heralds a remarkable array of world premieres in Chicago, with “Berlin” leading the charge through its ambitious adaptation of an iconic graphic novel. Directed by Charles Newell, the production reflects a commitment to profound storytelling and dynamic theatrical movement without reliance on traditional visuals. As audiences eagerly await these narratives, the richness of theatre continues to capture the essence of human experience through creativity and collaboration.
Original Source: www.hpherald.com
