In a world where history seems to repeat itself, the revival of Bertolt Brecht's 'The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui' by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a powerful reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance. The play, set in post-World War II Germany, tells the story of Arturo Ui, a Chicago gangster who rises to power through manipulation and violence, mirroring the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party. With a score by alt-rock band Placebo, the production is a haunting and timely commentary on the dangers of demagoguery and the corruption of free-market capitalism.
Personally, I find the parallels between the play and current events in Britain and across the Atlantic particularly fascinating. The rhetoric of politicians like former Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi and Elon Musk, who have espoused far-right views, echoes the language of Hitler and the Nazis. What makes this particularly interesting is how the play's prescience has fueled the RSC's determination to stage it within a year. It's a stark reminder that history can repeat itself, and the warning signs are there for those who care to listen.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way the play uses allegory to critique the rise of fascism. Arturo Ui's control of the cauliflower market and bullying of vegetable traders is a deliberate and ridiculous representation of Nazi coercion tactics. In rehearsals, they're experimenting with replacing guns with fish, vegetables, and baguettes, which I find especially interesting. It's a powerful visual representation of the play's message, and it sucker-punches you with the truth.
From my perspective, the production's defiance of Brecht's strict rules is a welcome innovation. The play was always intended to have a sense of urgency, and the creative freedom given to the team has allowed them to push boundaries and experiment with new ideas. This is particularly evident in the collaboration with Placebo, who have composed a score that is both brooding and haunting, perfectly matching the sinister nature of the story.
What many people don't realize is that Brecht's works are often perceived to come with very strict rules, with terminology dealt out like a sacrosanct textbook. However, the team's refusal to be cowed by preconceived ideas about Brecht provides them with a sense of freedom with the show. This is a refreshing approach, and it allows the play to speak for itself, rather than being constrained by the playwright's intentions.
If you take a step back and think about it, the play's message is clear: the rise of fascism is a warning from history, and it's a bloody muse that we must heed. The epilogue, which calls on the audience to act against the rise of fascism, still gives me goosebumps. It's a powerful reminder that we must be vigilant and take action, even if it's just a small step. In my opinion, this production is a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of democracy and the importance of standing up for what's right.
