Lazarus. Staatstheater Nuremberg
Feb 23rd 2019
I found this the most remarkable theatre – and not just because the songs were performed in English and the dialogue in German (non sub-titled) This did make the following of the plot/story tricky when watching but on reflection I think piece is more a meditative exploration of a person’s life rather than traditional linear narrative.
It was both the story of Bowie, his images and personalities that he made throughout his remarkable career as well as his relationships (to a degree I think; I do not know his life and musical story well enough to really judge). This was combined with the central character from The Man Who Fell To Earth At times we had at least one early aspect of Bowie the performer with Thomas Newton also on stage and this double time/character effect was very intriguing. I am sure if I can read the script then it will become clearer but even from my limited understanding it was clear that there are many interesting ideas being explored. In a way, the piece seemed at times to be a sort of a requiem for a life – and it cleverly combined bowie the performer (and of course he was dying as the piece was being created) and a requiem/meditation for Thomas Newton… a sort of requiem for a life.
The staging and performances were superb. Quite deconstructionist in that we saw how some effects were made (performer holding smoke machine for example) lots of smart misdirection and all technical aspects particularly lighting of highest standard. Strange and perhaps bit difficult to wholly come to terms as felt was having stunning theatrical experiences but not sure (yet) as to how it all covered. Perhaps that was a part of it; we don't and cannot make complete sense of our lives as we all approach death...and the piece was soaked in death....However it was also strangely and powerfully uplifting and certainly bears careful reading of the script and listening to the musical score with that in hand too.
In conclusion then, fantastic theatre...and seeing it in a small town as I did made me yet again aware of how wonderfully the arts are state supported in many countries ...and not others... Hello UK and USA...