On vacation and visiting Munich, what might be an interesting piece of theater? The Münchner Kammerspiele company was founded in 1906 and became the city’s municipal troupe in 1933. In 1926, they moved into their Schauspielhaus, a surviving, nicely renovated art nouveau theater built in 1901. Written by Olga Bach, Doktor Alici is based on Professor Bernhardi by the Austrian playwright Arthur Schnitzler.
First performed in Berlin, this 1912 play was billed as a comedy even though it explored anti-semitism. Hitler referred to Schnitzler’s works as “Jewish filth” and they were banned by the Nazis. Ms. Bach has updated the conflicts explored in Professor Bernhardi to our current times. Instead of Jews, this play addresses Muslims. Add in English supertitles to a “comedic” play about racism which is historically significant and staged in a cool German theater… what’s not to love?
Doktor Alici (Hürdem Riethmüller) is the police president. The year is 2023, two months before the Bavarian state elections. The set is eerily dystopian. A house lit in bright neon colors. A telephone pole with wires on a colorless street. It is storming and rain is coming down hard. Bizarre figures enter the stage. Is this imagery surreal? Futuristic? Simply dark and quirky?
In the home of Doktor Alici, there is a statue of woman. She is standing with outstretched arms and has a baby sucking her teat. The piece is deemed obscene as its shape is similar to a crucifix. The implication is that this Islamic woman is mocking Christianity. She is under attack by members of the Occident Party (a 1960’s French far-right militant political group) for some controversial decisions she has approved.
Adding to the intrigue is a double crossing member of her staff who is pushed to throw her under the bus. “You have a heart but you’re no do-gooder. Your boss is a risky situation.” Making matters even more tantalizing, Doktor Alici is a lesbian and her “niece” is an immigrant. Rain continues to pour throughout this story. The weather is “simply abnormal” these days, adding climate change to the mix of social and political commentary.
Five individuals have been arrested and detained on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. One of the suspects is not physically well. The Müller report about his medical condition is being withheld. The man in question is more than seventy years old. He is a very successful businessman and has children. The play clearly plunges headfirst into today’s headlines.
Humor is often employed and is sharply effective. Regarding public opinion: “75% of people (of the 500 we asked)” believe… The Turkish police are called “enemies of the people.” As the plot progresses, considerations for using the legal system are discussed. “We know the outcome. Why tax the legal system?” There’s even mention of withdrawing a firearm’s license. A crystal ball into democracy in 2023?
Doktor Alici subtly excoriates the world we live in today. Vividly directed by Ersan Mondtag, the murky imagery increasingly ratches up the tension. Rain will pour with increasing vigor. The stage design by Nina Peller was exquisitely moody and dark, both claustrophobic and cartoonish. The creative elements nicely framed a play which considers our imperfect societies, our nauseating politics and our history-repeating behaviors.
The whole production, including the memorable performances, makes Doktor Alici a worthwhile theatrical experience. For an American, watching German artists creatively commenting on current affairs adds to this uniquely enjoyable drama. The creepiness of the story’s plausibility visible underneath the artistically rendered imagery is the “wow” factor. A link to a brief clip of this show provides a glimpse into the exquisite mood and unforgettable visuals of this highly recommended play.