This show has concluded its current run
In repertoire with Collaboration Book a London Theatre Hotel Break Taking Sides, first seen in 1995 deals with an investigation into the great conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler, who remained conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic during the Third Reich. Furtwangler, played by Michael Pennington, was prized by Hitler and became the cultural jewel in his crown. After the war he became the target for vigorous interrogation by the crude, apparently uncultured Major Steve Arnold, who had witnessed the horrors of Belsen. Taking Sides is a 1995 play by British playwright Ronald Harwood, about the post-War U.S. "denazification" investigation of the German conductor and composer Wilhelm Furtwängler on charges of having served the Nazi regime. Harwood gained valuable insight from a detailed diary kept by Furtwängler of his interrogation sessions. Although the investigation that is the focus of the play resulted in formal charges being brought against Furtwängler, he was eventually cleared by the tribunal. Dr. Wilhelm Furtwangler was the director of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra during World War II. Unlike many other German artists, he chose not to leave Germany when the war began. He was admired by Hitler and Goebbels and so when the Second World War was over and the Allies arrive, he is put on trial as a Nazi, and Taking Sides is the fictional examination of his guilt or innocence. It is based on the play by Ronald Harwood, who also wrote The Pianist. It cannot overcome its theatrical roots, but that is part of the power of this film. It is a contest of wills between Furtwangler and Major Steve Arnold. |
Taking Sides Show Information Booking From: 20th May 2009 To: 29th August 2009 Matinees: Evenings: Monday to Saturday 8:00pm Running Time: TBC Duchess Theatre Information Duchess Theatre Seating Plan |
Duchess Theatre Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5LA CLICK HERE FOR ON-LINE STREETMAP Nearest Underground: Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) Bus Routes: 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 77A, 91, 176 Nearest Rail: Charing Cross |
Duchess Theatre Directions: Take the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden and exit into the piazza. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk. Disabled toilets Air-conditioned Wheelchair access Infra Red |
