Theater-Goer Left Homeless: Unseen Blind Companion in Düsseldorf
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Kleines Haus am Gründgens-Platz is set to host an intriguing double bill of two powerful dramas - "The Stowaway" and its adaptation, "Dark Ship".
"The Stowaway", penned by Jewish author Maria Lazar in 1938, tells the story of Dr. Hartmann, a Jewish doctor from Vienna who lost his papers at sea. He is rescued by Captain Petersen's son Carl and hidden in the cargo hold of a Danish mail ship. The play is a poignant portrayal of the plight of refugees, set against the backdrop of the impending World War II.
Mila Moinzadeh, a native Iranian actor, takes on the lead role of Dr. Hartmann in "Dark Ship", the adaptation of "The Stowaway". Moinzadeh delivers a stern and sad performance, hinting at more recent, different refugee stories through a Persian love song.
Michael Fünfschilling plays the talented accordion player, Carl, in "The Stowaway". Fnot Taddese plays the role of Nina, Carl's sister, who lets the refugee, Hartmann, rest in her bunk and feels drawn to him.
The Petersens and Jörgen, another character in "The Stowaway", are not portrayed as bad people, but they are afraid of breaking the law and don't help the refugee after arrival. Jörgen, however, reacts with jealousy to the refugee, Hartmann.
The set for both plays includes dark hiding places below deck and a projection of ominously threatening waves, designed by Daniel Roskamp. The plays will have additional performances on June 7, 12, and July 4.
Maria Lazar, born in 1895, sought refuge in Scandinavia with her child in 1933. She wrote "The Stowaway" before the start of World War II. Unfortunately, detailed public records or scholarly discussions about this specific work and its recent revival are not present in the provided data.
"Dark Ship" premiered at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus and the duration of the play is one hour and fifteen minutes without intermission. Ticket information can be found on the website www.dhaus.de.
Captain Petersen hears the sirens on his ship before discovering the refugee, Hartmann, aboard. The play takes place on a ship, with a gray and clunky set designed to evoke the harshness of the sea journey.
Director Laura Linnenbaum has not modernized the dialogues but suggests that Dr. Hartmann led a queer life in Vienna through subtle actions by Mila Moinzadeh. This adds a layer of complexity to the character, making "Dark Ship" a thought-provoking exploration of identity, refuge, and human connection.
In the midst of planning for the double bill at Kleines Haus am Gründgens-Platz, the audience can also expect a shift in genre as home-and-garden themes give way to home-and-ship lifestyle, with the set design for "The Stowaway" and "Dark Ship" featuring dark hiding places below deck and a projection of ominously threatening waves. Following the premiere of "Dark Ship" at Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus, discussions can continue at home regarding the play's poignant portrayal of refugees, identity, and human connection.
