marlene

Original version by Pam Gems adapted by Renaissance-Theater Berlin

With two monologues by Connie Palmen

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© Video: Siegersbusch

In a small Parisian apartment: Marlene Dietrich and Viv, their long-time companion through the ups and downs of their legendary career. Withdrawn from all over the world, the days go by. But today it is as if the past time is becoming tangible and alive again. In this dramatic confrontation, the world star confronts his own myth.

Sven Ratzke plays Marlene Dietrich and breathes a new soul into her songs. In her biography, he feels the challenge of reinventing himself in the most diverse facets of her personality. He dives into the character Marlene in order to face her charisma — as he has succeeded in various programs about music legend David Bowie in sold-out houses from NYC to Sydney, from Amsterdam to London.

The singer and entertainer, who is causing a sensation internationally with his artistic shows and excellent music, has established himself as a world-class stage star.

“Marlene Dietrich wandered between the sexes and showed tremendous courage in her self-will and absolute perfectionism. Trapped in fame and disappeared in an artistic figure that she created herself. I look in the mirror that she holds up to our time and to all artists, I see myself and look for her. What a challenge! ”

From this perspective, the reworking of the original version of the piece by Pam Gems develops into a surprising, humorous and moving story. A prologue and an epilogue, written especially for this performance by renowned Dutch writer Connie Palmen, offer the play additional lyrically emotional spheres. From the depths of Marlene's soul.

Julia Herfst plays young Viv, Marlene's girlfriend and opponent, as stage partner. Guntbert Warns stages this new version in stage design by Ezio Toffolutti, enriched with specially created costumes by British star fashion designer Ian Griffiths (Creative Director/Max Mara).

MARLENE is a production by Renaissance-Theater Berlin, which was also shown on an international tour in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2024.

“Ratzke, (...), he is now tuned to Marlene from head to toe, from lyrics to vocals. And yet it creates something completely unique. You have to see that. This “Marlene” also has what it takes to be an evergreen. ”

Peter Zander, Berliner Morgenpost, 08.10.2023