Radically Different

Whether this experiment proves too radical for Munich and the German theatre landscape remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: it will draw attention. For what Anta Helena Recke is planning at the Münchner Kammerspiele with the play "Mittelreich", based on the novel by Josef Bierbichler, is something that has never been done in this form. She will take over Anna-Sophie Mahler's production exactly as it runs this season, but recast every role with Black actors. In doing so, the Bavarian homeland story is given a new face. And not only that — for at the same time this staging is meant to set a counterpoint to the local ensemble system, in which almost everyone employed is white. The concept of Germany's globally unique ensemble system was once to mirror society. The director wants to point out that this concept has failed to develop and change along with society, and instead perpetuates structural racism. For this production, then, Isabelle Redfern and Ernest Allan Hausmann will for the first time not be the only — or two of the very few — Black performers, but will, together with the others, embody the sole reality. "We are curious to see how Munich audiences receive the piece. But many are very open, even if there are of course some older subscribers about whom one can't be quite so sure. We think the production's approach is fantastic, though, and that is why we are also looking forward to it." For Isabelle Redfern, who lived in Munich for more than 20 years, knows Josef Bierbichler personally and as a teenager often frequented the café, the story of "Mittelreich" is in part her own homeland story too. To give precisely this homeland a face that is so far rather unusual, even if it is lived out in society, is something that delights the actress. Anta Helena Recke's staging will premiere two days after the original production of "Mittelreich" is performed at the Kammerspiele for the last time. MITTELREICH is Bavarian love of homeland, performed by Isabelle Redfern, Ernest Allan Hausmann and further Black actors. Premiere: 12.10.2017, Kammer I of the Kammerspiele, 7:30 pm.