What would you do if you discovered a piece of art in your attic that may have been painted by Adolf Hitler? That’s the incendiary premise of a new work by leading German satirical playwright Marius von Mayenburg, which will have its UK premiere at the Young Vic in London. Don’t miss this provocative tale: book your Nachtland tickets now on London Theatre.
The show takes place in modern-day Germany and sees Nicola and Philipp clearing out their father’s house following his death. But when they find an old painting in the attic, featuring a street scene from 1920s Vienna, they come to realise it might be a work by the Führer himself.
What should they do with it? Sell it, keep it – or burn it? The issue divides Nicola, Philipp, and Philipp’s wife Judith, opening up fractures in their family and marriage, and asking big questions about history, legacy, evil, and the rise of the new Right in Europe.
But von Mayenburg’s Nachtland play, translated by Maja Zade, handles these difficult issues with a satirical zing: expect plenty of laughs, albeit uncomfortable ones – plus some passionate debate in the bar afterwards.
Fortunately, the London Nachtland production is directed by Patrick Marber, the brilliant playwright and director who moves easily between comedy and drama. He recently won a Tony Award for directing Tom Stoppard’s play Leopoldstadt, and his own work includes Dealer’s Choice, Closer and Don Juan in Soho.
The company features Jane Horrocks – best known for playing Bubble in sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, and for creating the lead role in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice – plus John Heffernan, Gunnar Cauthery, Jenna Augen, and Angus Wright.
Make sure you’re there to see them bring this thought-provoking play to life. Book your Nachtland tickets on London Theatre now.
1hr 35min. No interval.
20th February, 2024
20th April, 2024
Ages 14+.
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: Pocock Street (Stop V) 40, 63
Car park: National Car Park Ltd
Tony Award-winner Patrick Marber (Leopoldstadt) directs a jagged new satire from one of Germany's foremost playwrights.
Modern day Germany. Nicola and Philipp argue as they clear out their late father’s house. When they find an old painting stashed in the attic, things get savage.
The painting is a quaint street scene from 1920s Vienna; the work of a failed artist who abandoned his original vocation for Nazism… Nicola wants to sell it. Philipp wants to keep it. Philipp’s wife Judith wants to burn it.
Nachtland* is a mordant satire about marriage, legacy, the rise of the new right, and the terrible impulses buried deep.
Marius von Mayenburg is one of Germany’s most produced contemporary playwrights. His plays include Fireface, Plastic and The Ugly One.
*Nachtland is an invented German word. It suggests a place of eternal darkness.
Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.
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