Play: Sommer 14: A Dance of Death

Dean Bray in scene from Sommer 14 - A Dance With Death

This was my first visit to the `small but mighty’ Finborough Theatre in Earls' Court, and I found its reputation for excellence richly deserved. I was wondering how an epic piece like Sommer 14: A Dance of Death, by the controversial playwright Rolf Hochhuth would translate into such a small theatre (fifty seats), with such a slight cast (twelve actors),but in fact it worked wonderfully, with each actor taking two or three roles and blending seamlessly and convincingly with the ensemble. The play was first performed in 1990, and this timely revival, in a new translation by Gwynne Edwards, offers a rare opportunity to see the events leading to World War II from a German and European perspective.

Inspired by the medieval mystery plays, Sommer 14 uses the character of Death as a sort of Master of Ceremonies to a series of sometimes shattering, sometimes surprisingly light hearted vignettes portraying the people and events that led up to the outbreak of the First World War. Death is played by the very young Dean Bray who, in this pivotal role, switches from the heart rending screams of a wounded soldier on the battlefield to ironic comments on the political situation with equal assurance. He also has a great singing voice.

The play raises questions about the dubious morality of the leaders who were determined to take us to war, among them Winston Churchill. A well documented contemporary rumour states that he deliberately provoked the German attack on the Lusitania in order to anger the Americans into entering the war. One particulary haunting scene is the testament of a Lusitania victim played by Sarah-Jayne Butler with wet hair, still agonizingly strapped into the life jacket that served merely to prolong her ordeal.

Among recent events commemorating the Great War, Sommer 14 stands out as an outstanding and thought provoking addition. It continues at the Finborough Theatre in Earls Court until 31 August and I recommend it highly.

For more information and booking details see: www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk/productions/2014/sommer-14.php