Mephisto by Klaus Mann
Our October 11 Sunday Salon reading of Klaus Mann’s Mephisto, as adapted for stage by Ariane Mnouchkine, features a huge cast of some of Seattle’s most exciting actors today!
THE PLAY
The rise of Nazism in Germany tests the stamina, ideology and morale of the members of the Pepper-Mill cabaret with its Jewish and socialist actors. In the maelstrom of historical developments, some resist, some are caught unawares and some pay with their lives, as the Nazi Party steadily advances to power. In the face of uncertainty and fear, one of the company’s actors, the ambitious Hendrik Hoefgen is offered the leading role of Mephisto in Faust. Choosing career over friends, he enters into a Faustian pact with the Nazi regime.
Ariane Mnouchkine’s adaptation of the novel decentralizes the “Mephisto” character and disperses focus across the group of actors around him. We observe a collection of socialists and incipient fascists and watch how they react to Hitler’s ascension.
Where does art stop and life begin? The question is vital, and fatal to them all.
THE AUTHOR & PLAYWRIGHT
Klaus Mann
Klaus Mann (1906 – 1949) was a German novelist whose most famous work, Mephisto (written in 1936), is a modern classic about artistic integrity and political commitment. First published when Mann was in exile from the Nazis, was primarily an act of revenge against German actor (his one-time brother-in-law) Gustaf Grundgens — and the action of the play closely resembles life. Mann, who worked with Grundgens, regarded him as a traitor for accepting Nazi patronage while his former colleagues were forced to flee the country. He was the son of Thomas Mann (author of Doctor Faustus and The Magic Mountain).
Ariane Mnouchkine (b. 1939) is a French stage director. She founded the Parisian avant-garde stage ensemble Théâtre du Soleil in 1964. The theatre collective still continues to create social and political critiques of local and world cultures.
THE CAST
L-R: Gustaf Gründgens, Erika Mann, Pamela Wedekind, Klaus Mann | At the time this photo was taken, Erika was engaged to Gustaf but was having an affair with Pamela, who was engaged to marry Klaus, who was romantically involved with Gustaf. They also were appearing in Klaus’s play, Anja und Esther, based on the affair between Erika and Pamela.
Klaus Mann/Sebastian Bruckner – Craig Bradshaw
Hendrik Hofgen – Brandon J. Simmons
Carola Martin – Tracy Michelle Hughes
Hans Miklas – Tyler Polumsky
Theresa von Herzfeld / Emelyne – Valerie Curtis-Newton
Otto Ulrich – Joseph Lavy
Myriam Horowitz / Actor – Emily Jo Testa
Alex / Tyler Trerise
Magnus Gottchalk / Thomas Bruckner – Carter Rodriquez
Mrs. Efeu – Eva Doak
Knurr / Publisher – Dean Wilson
Juliette / Lorenz / Ludwig – Ayo Tushinde
Erika Bruckner / General Fonnesique – Alex Highsmith
Nicoletta von Niebuhr – Sara Kaus
Theophile Sarder / Hans Josthinkel – Ben Gonio
ABOUT THE SUNDAY SALONS
APL casts actors to read classic and/or provocative plays we want to engage as thinking artists but aren’t likely to bring to stage in full production. Anyone interested in the play or its context can join us. Each Salon is a unique, dynamic assembly of artists, intellectuals, provocateurs, friends, and family. We read, drink, eat, and — with minimal moderation — let discussion go where it will. And if you’d like to bring a piece of music to perform during the evening, feel free to do so!
FOOD
Salons are potluck. Please bring a dish and/or drink to share. Theme according to the play… or not!
FOR YOUR COMFORT
Seating is ample, but feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer the (hardwood) floor.
ACCESSIBILITY
Our location has a lot of stairs to navigate (15 just to enter) and, unfortunately, no current access options to avoid them.
SCHEDULE
4:00pm Arrivals. Mingling and food/drinks.
5:15-5:30pm Reading begins, to be followed by discussion.
10:00pm End time is a best guess. Leave when you need to; we allow the discussion to run its course.
NOTE TO OUR ACTORS WHO ARE READING
We will distribute the play digitally. Please bring your own printed copy or a device to view the file. Wifi onsite.
