UK Theatre Network

We both wanted men but we got institutions.

Robert David MacDonald’s play describes a fictional meeting of Eva Braun and Clara Petaccci, the mistresses of Hitler and Mussolini.  During the course of the play the two women assume a range of male roles such as their dictator lovers, a fanatical Hitler Youth, and misogynists. As themselves they demonstrate how the continuance of an oppressive system is dependent upon the compliance of its victims.

The venue is an imposing eighteenth-century mansion at 32 Portland Place. Set in the diplomatic heart of central London, it provides the ideal backdrop for this surreal and disturbing production. Most of the action takes place in the living room but there are a few scenes on the stairs and in the hallway. The chorus consisting of three talented singers sees to it that every member of the audience has a good view of the actors.

When we follow the Soldier, dressed in a fascist uniform, into the living room we find Eva Braun and Clara Petacci in their underwear embracing and exchanging hot kisses. Dresses and underwear is draped over lamps and statues. They are drinking champagne and having a good time. Very soon their attention is directed towards the young man. Singing the all-time favourite Nazi hit „Die Fahne hoch“ they begin undressing the man, putting a dress on him while Braun and Petacci are now wearing trousers. The soldier has changed into the woman, the victim, while the mistresses act as chauvinist males at their worst. After assuming a variety of male roles Braun and Petacci lament their fate as mistresses of institutions. Although they have certain privileges they are never allowed to take their rightful place next to their men. Instead they are forced to live rather restricted lives. Like gangsters their dictator-lovers see women either as mothers or whores, and whores need to be kept tugged away, out of sight.  

The production is an unsentimental examination of the cold eroticism of power, the oppression of the weak by their darker selves and the sordid politcs of oppression. The charismatic Laura Pradelska gives a stunning performance as Eva Braun, Elisa Terren is a captivating Clara Petacci and Martin Behrman is impressive and touching as the Soldier.

aya theatre company was formed by a collective of emerging theatre artists. Their next project is Burmese Days, adapted from George Orwell’s first novel.  

Venue: 32 Portland Place W1B 1QE

Weds-Sat only, 7.30pm (Doors 6.45pm)until 4th September 2010  

THIS IS A AN INVITE-ONLY FREE PERFORMANCE

Please go to the following webpage to reserve a ticket:

http://www.ayatheatre.com/iWeb/aya/SummitConference.html