An opportunist makes a career: Klaus Mann's "Mephisto" at the Kleist Forum

With "Mephisto", Frankfurt's Kleist Forum is presenting a substantial theatrical version of Klaus Mann's novel of the same name on March 23 and 24. The guest performance by the Hans Otto Theater in Potsdam tells the story of a German everyman who has to choose between career and ideals and succumbs to the fascination of evil. Half an hour before the performance begins, there will be an introduction to the play in the foyer with dramaturge Christopher Hanf.

At the heart of the play is the young, brilliant, ambition-driven actor Hendrik Höfgen, a rising star in the German theater of the late 1920s. But times are turbulent and democracy is under pressure. Höfgen initially presents himself as politically left-wing liberal, but then makes a career with the Nazis without hesitation. He unscrupulously betrays his old friends and ideals and becomes a vicarious agent of barbarism.

The main character Hendrik Höfgen is based on the real-life theater man Gustaf Gründgens, who rushed from success to success in Berlin during the Hitler dictatorship, becoming director and state councilor. While the historical Gründgens drank champagne with Nazi henchmen, the author Klaus Mann led a restless life in exile. Vacillating between depression and activism, haunted by inner demons, he dedicated his life to the fight against fascism.

A play about magic and betrayal, career and attitude and the question of what it may cost to stand up for one's values in dark times. Political and entertaining, comedic and melancholy.

When and where?

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 24. March 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Kleist Forum, Platz der Einheit 1, 15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
 

"Mephisto" – play based on the novel by Klaus Mann
Director: Sascha Hawemann / Dramaturgy: Christopher Hanf
Stage: Alexander Wolf / Costumes: Ines Burisch
Hans Otto Theater Potsdam