Theatergoers in Düsseldorf Witness a Unique Experience: A Homeless Man Navigates the Performances Blindly
Maria Lazar, a Jewish author born in 1895, has seen her play "The Stowaway" brought to life at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus. The drama, penned in 1938, tells the story of Dr. Hartmann, a Jewish doctor from Vienna who lost his papers at sea and seeks refuge on a ship.
The play, which runs for one hour and fifteen minutes without intermission, is a poignant refugee drama that has captured the hearts of audiences. The ship's crew clothes are clunky and gray, and the ship is dark and uninviting, with hiding places below deck.
Captain Petersen, a character in the play, discovers Hartmann on his mail ship after arrival. Initially, he refuses to help, fearing repercussions from the Germans. However, his daughter, Nina Petersen, lets Hartmann rest in her bunk and feels drawn to him.
Meanwhile, Carl Petersen, another character, pulls Hartmann on board and hides him in the cargo hold. Siblings Nina and Carl, along with their fellow passengers, keep quiet during an inspection before departure to protect Hartmann.
Jörgen, a character in the play, reacts with jealousy to Hartmann's presence, creating tension on board the ship. The play's title character, Dr. Hartmann, is subtlety suggested to have led a queer life in Vienna, without overacting.
Mila Moinzadeh, the lead actor, delivers a powerful performance as Dr. Hartmann. She also recites a Persian love song as a hint at other refugee stories, adding a touch of cultural richness to the play.
Director Laura Linnenbaum has chosen to stay faithful to Maria Lazar's original work, refusing to modernize the dialogues or add embellishments. The use of theater fog and ominous waves on the stage creates a threatening atmosphere, perfectly capturing the fear and uncertainty of the time.
Further performances of "The Blind Passenger," another drama by Maria Lazar, will take place on June 7, 12, and July 4. This play, which premiered at the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus alongside "The Stowaway," tells the story of a Jewish author seeking refuge in Scandinavia with her child in 1933.
For those interested in learning more about "The Stowaway" or other works by Maria Lazar, it is recommended to check official theatre websites, literary archives, or announcements from Maria Lazar or associated drama companies.
The play's setting, with its cold and uninviting ship, mirrors the challenging lifestyle of a refugee seeking shelter. Home-and-garden design enthusiasts might find inspiration in recreating this tense and claustrophobic ambiance in their own spaces, symbolizing the struggles faced by those escaping war and persecution.
Maria Lazar's works, such as "The Blind Passenger" and "The Stowaway," delve into the realities of Jewish refugees during the early to mid-20th century, offering a unique insight into their home-and-garden-like sanctuaries amidst a transforming lifestyle landscape.
