Bertolt Brecht, the German playwright, poet and director wrote this extraordinary play in May 1941, in just three weeks. Influenced by stories of real gangsters in New York and his own survival to keep himself and his family safe in war time, (he had applied unsuccessfully in 1939 for an immigration visa for the United States) Brecht’s desire to make his name known in the rest of Europe took his writing to a new level.
‘The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’ is a satirical commentary of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, and is one of Brecht’s most significant plays.
Artuo Ui is a two-bit gangster in 1930’s Chicago, who along with his henchmen, bully, intimidate and murder their way to rise to power before moving on to do much the same around different cities of the US.
The role of Artuo Ui is taken on by Ian Bartholomew, and what a performance. His portrayal of this incredible character was quite a thing to see. His transition from funny, likeable Ui to his dark and menacing side was received with nervous titters from the audience. This role demanded energy and an intelligent performance. A skill, which Bartholomew no doubt has.
All of Brecht’s characters were written in grand style, requiring big performances, and none of the cast members disappointed. Bartholomew received great support from Nick Moss, Mike Goodenough and Nick Cavaliere who play Roma, Giri and Givola, Ui’s right hand men.
Set in 1930’s Chicago, there is bags of atmosphere on the Playhouse stage, and director Walter Meierjohann has certainly used it to its full potential. Simply by opening up the stage and striping away the curtains, the space is used well by the actors and the set, minimal as it is. Meierjohann uses the back wall for projections of footage and uses an information board throughout to establish which point of time the play has moved onto.
This production is stylish, slick and moves from scene to scene effortlessly. Full of humour, dark though it is, the writing is so good that you can’t help but laugh.
A first class, solid piece, this is one show that must not be missed.
9/10
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’ is on at the Playhouse until 22nd October. Please see www.everymanplayhouse.com for more details.
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