Man to Man

Synopsis

Various locations across Germany, from pre-Nazi times to post-war and the Berlin Wall era

Ella stands alone on a dimly lit stage, the weight of her dual identity pressing down like a physical burden. In Manfred Karge’s “Man to Man,” Ella Gericke adopts the identity of her deceased husband, Max, to survive the economic and social turmoil of pre-Nazi Germany. This one-woman play, filled with poignant monologues and vivid imagery, traces Ella’s transformation and the harrowing journey that follows. She navigates through the rise of the Nazi regime, World War II, and into the era of the Berlin Wall, constantly balancing her disguised identity with her true self.

Karge’s play, first premiered in 1982 and translated into English by Anthony Vivis, is a profound exploration of survival, identity, and resilience. The narrative unfolds in a sparse setting that shifts fluidly from a prison-like room to various locales Ella encounters. Through vocal variations, projections, and minimal props, the solitary performer brings to life a multitude of characters and scenarios, reflecting Ella’s inner turmoil and external struggles. The story encapsulates themes of grief, gender identity, and the impact of historical events on individual lives.