I guess Mr. Brantley missed the scenes where UI was using praise, shaming and lies to manipulate everyone around him and going through “loyal” henchmen at warp speed. No similarities to Trump? While Act I was a bit chaotic, the second act seemed like a template for the Mueller investigations and with all the flipping that was going on. The actors were powerful individually and as well as part of the ensemble. With some actors playing multiple roles, one really didn’t need to get stuck on the character they were playing at the moment, one just had to take in the evilness they were performing. Those that played multiple parts were amazing. We left the theater and discussed that particular period in German history and how it is not so unlike what is happening today in the US.
If Mr. Brantley hates Brecht so much, he should recuse himself from reviewing any Brecht play. Obviously no production of UI could ever convince him that the play was worth the effort.
2
As my mind kept drifting trying to keep up with the plot of Arturo Ui my eyes and ears were riveted on Raul Esparza.
I would love to see him in Threepenny or Hamilton or as he so brilliantly mimes Marc Antony in this lop-sided production.
1
Raul Esparza gave a stellar performance, but not enough to carry the show; the "message" got obscured in all the yelling,banging of furniture, and the "noirish" lighting which was really basically assaultive, spotlights, and a naked light bulb at eye level! It was a real beating & if the directorial aim was to lift one out of one's comfort zone, it sure succeeded,
we left early!
3
I think this show deserves a little more praise than this. I felt the dramatic anxiety built very effectively, and Esparza was absolutely brilliant.
8