Taking Sides
28 April - 16 May 2009
Minerva Theatre
By Ronald Harwood
With Michael Pennington and David Horovitch
Collaboration and Taking Sides enthralled Minerva audiences during Festival 08, and return to Chichester with the complete original cast.
In Taking Sides conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler, prized by Hitler as the cultural jewel in the crown of the Third Reich, became the perfect post-war target for interrogation as a Nazi sympathiser. Major Steve Arnold, who has witnessed the horrors of Belsen, is about to cross-examine him.
Written as a companion piece, Collaboration begins in 1931 in a spirit of optimism as composer Richard Strauss and writer Stephan Zweig embark on an invigorating artistic partnership. But Zweig is a Jew and the Nazis are on the march. Is it possible to keep artistic aspiration and political action separate?
How fine is the line between collaboration and betrayal?
Michael Pennington reprises his roles as both Wilhelm Furtwängler and Richard Strauss. He appeared in the original production of Taking Sides and has worked extensively with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in the West End and with the English Shakespeare Company, of which he was the co-founder.
David Horovitch once again plays Stefan Zweig and Major Arnold. He appears regularly in the West End, at the National Theatre and, as part of a career long association, at the Manchester Royal Exchange.
Ronald Harwood’s plays include The Dresser, After the Lions and Another Time; his screenplays include The Pianist, for which he won an Academy Award, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.
Philip Franks has previously directed Nicholas Nickleby, Twelfth Night and The Cherry Orchard for Chichester.
Co-producers and sponsors
Last performance |
Audio described |
Signed |
Preview |
Spirit FM Preview |
Press night |
School's Matinee |
Charity Performance |
Post-show Talk |
- Previews £20.50
- Evenings/Matinees £26.50
**SPECIAL OFFER**
Collaboration/Taking Sides - Book for both these plays and save 10% (Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer)
Information
- This production has wheelchair access
- Post show meals are available
Click for more information - Running time: 2hrs 20
One interval of 20 minutes - View seating plans
