Gangster Power: Shocking, Entertaining 1941 Play You Shouldn't Miss
The plays of Bertolt Brecht can sometimes be an acquired taste for many theatergoers. With larger-than-life characters, rhetorical speeches, and a mix of broad farce and political satire, the experience can feel overwhelming, especially when the play runs nearly three hours.
Despite this, Mercury Theater’s current production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is definitely worth seeing. The story follows Arturo Ui (played by Kevin Bordi), a small-time Chicago gangster who rises quickly to power through corruption, bribery, and violence.
The beginning of the play, which involves cauliflowers and a large cast of characters, might seem confusing, but it’s not necessary to understand every detail. As the play progresses, its message becomes clear.
Bertolt Brecht, who wrote the play in 1941, described it as a “parable play” paralleling the rise of Adolf Hitler.
However, this reference likely sparks thoughts beyond just Hitler. Director Keith Baker has gathered a strong cast to perform this challenging work. Bordi excels as Ui, transforming physically and vocally from a hunched, pitiful figure into a commanding man wielding terrifying power.
Author’s summary: This dynamic production of Brecht’s 1941 political parable vividly captures the chilling rise of a gangster-turned-dictator, delivering a powerful theatrical experience.