How far would you go in the pursuit of justice? This is the question at the heart of Kohlhaas which tells the story of a horse trader driven to extremes when faced with abuse of power and corruption.
This world premiere is a first-ever Brighton Festival Production and was created for the festival and the Corn Exchange space.
Director Omar Elerian, who also adapted the play, describes it as “an incredible opportunity for us to begin creating the work specifically for this venue in the Corn Exchange.
“One thing I was specifically drawn to was using the whole expanse of the stage because this is an epic story of one person against the powers that be.”
He describes collaborating with smoke and lighting designer Jackie Shemesh to “make the space react to the story and what is happening in the play.”
Based on the 1810 novella Michael Kohlhaas by Heinrich von Kleist, the story is set in the 15th century and its timeless themes have proved an influence on writers including Franz Kafka and Thomas Mann, and are especially relevant in today’s world.
Performed solely by Oliver-winner, Arinzé Kene, the play deals with eternal truths and desperate acts borne from injustice.
He describes the play as a revenge story, “It’s epic. It’s huge. It’s a really beautiful story with lots of wonderful, bright characters. It’s big and bold, vicious at times and delicate also.
“Audiences can expect a huge story told by some of theatre’s best makers. It’s an incredible space, the Corn Exchange, and what we’re doing with it is really exciting.”
Arinzé adds: “I hope it will help people process some of the things happening in the world today.”
Details
Dates
Preview – Friday 1 May, 8pm
Premiere – Saturday 2 May, 8pm
Sunday 3 May, 4pm and 8pm
Mon 4 May and Tuesday 5 May 8pm
Venue: Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE.
Tickets
Tickets £25, £35
Premium Seats £45
Under-30 £20 (limited allocation)
Members preview
Friday 1 May £30 (normally £35)
Accessible: Venue access details available here
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