Taking Sides
By Ronald Harwood
Synopsis:
In the grim aftermath of the Second World War, the victors determine the guilt or innocence of leading German citizens.
Depicting the intense interrogation of Willhelm Furtwängler, possibly the greatest conductor of his generation, by Major Arnold, Harwood’s play has been produced world-wide to enthusiastic acclaim
German/ American Lieutenant Wills reluctantly assists Arnold whilst Emmi Straube, a “good German”, looks on. Other characters represent victims and collaborators of the regime.
Should Furtwängler be condemned for staying in Germany while others fled and were his acts of mercy only insurance policies against the future? Or is Major Arnold driven by his searing experience of the concentration camps and ignorance of “high art”?
These and other questions raised throughout the play inexorably invite the audience to “take sides”.
In presenting this play, Next Stage continues its aim of presenting the best in thought-provoking modern drama.
Pre-show suppers are available Thursday-Saturday evenings from 6pm - please see the menu below. Places can be booked in advance from 01225 428600.
Supper menu:
Beef Bourguignon
- or
Cider Baked Onions and Cheese Tart
- or
Creme Caramel with Star Anise
- or
Apple and Blueberry Charlotte
- or
Teas and coffees to finish.
Director/s | Cast:
John Matthews
Director
Richard Matthews
Major Steve Arnold
Rosie Magee
Emmi Straube
Cara Aldous
Tamara Sachs
Steve Leanaghan
Helmuth Rode
Mark Sanders
Lieutenant David Wills
Dave Dunn
Willhelm Furtwangler
Review/s of Taking Sides:
Review 1: Review, Bath Chronicle
Art versus politics, ignorance against culture, truth or lies, experience over ideology – we were faced with a consideration of them all in Ronald Harwood’s riveting play set in Germany in the aftermath of the Second World War. The play centres on the interrogation of the great German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler (played with gravitas by Dave Dunn) by US Army Intelligence officer Major Steve Arnold.…click here to read the whole review.
