love? War!

Two one-act plays. Three people. A fight for love: “Love? War” is the new play by German-Iranian director Raman Allipur. A comedy full of strife, desire, speed and surprising twists.

What happens when a visit turns into a duel — and a dispute suddenly turns into desire? A man comes to ask for money. A woman refuses to receive him. A marriage proposal begins — and almost ends in war.

In “Love? War! “Two one-act plays by Anton Chekhov meet: “The Bear” and “The Marriage Proposal.” Three people meet — and within a very short period of time, everything is out of balance. What starts politely at first becomes a dispute. The dispute turns into a duel. The duel becomes an approximation. And this rapprochement immediately results in the next conflict.

Chekhov's characters aren't just funny — they mean it completely seriously. This is exactly where the comedy comes from: precise timing, physical play, absurd situations and the desperate attempt of three people to maintain control. A reduced stage space becomes a playing field for power, desire and human vulnerability. Music, rhythm, silence and light become independent dramaturgical elements.

“Love? War! “combines Chekhov's sharp humor with a physical, fast-paced and precisely staged evening at the theatre, in which comedy and suspense meet directly. Laughter is allowed here. You can argue here. And sometimes it suddenly becomes very quiet.

Because behind all the vanities, conflicts and absurd situations, there is a very human question: How do you get closer to a person without fighting against them? Three people. Two one-act plays. Lots of fighting. And maybe love after all.

Director & Artistic Direction: Raman Allipur

Artistic collaboration & scenography: Marjan Allipur

With: Lena WendtNikolai NovikovMartin Möller

Raman Allipur is a director, actor and lecturer. He studied directing and acting and then completed a master's degree in directing. He worked as a director for various TV productions, taught at training institutes and art academies and was a jury member at theatre festivals. His directorial work has taken him through Iran, Turkey and Russia for many years. Since 2017, he has also been staging theatre productions based on Anton Chekhov in Germany.

The premiere of “Love? War!” will take place on November 13 at the UfaFabrik Variety Salon in Berlin-Tempelhof. This is followed by three more performances.

(Photo: PROMO)