The Berlin Theatertreffen begins with an embarrassment, including in the discussion about how to deal with new-right culture wars. But there is a darkly clever production of “Nathan the Wise”.
This year, the Berlin Theatertreffen could become what it once was: the highlight of the theater year and a great celebration of the art of acting. It has been a long time since the ten invited productions gave such cause for anticipation. Ulrich Rasche’s brilliant production of “Nathan” at the start of the festival wipes away all doubts about the power of theater with pure skill, musicality, clever interpretation of the text and a stunning Valery Tscheplanowa in the title role. But first you have to endure a few speeches at the festival opening. Claudia Roth doesn’t need three minutes to get to her favorite topic: Claudia Roth.