He became the American author Doug Wright, members of the SS, members of the Stasi, friends, and a German chat show host. This was a staggering achievement by Sean who adopted each character through voice, stance and hand gesture alone. It was a triumphant one-person show as Sean figuratively stepped into all their shoes and we were spellbound. All these performances were sympathetically directed by Sarah Lorenz who was able to set just the right tone for each vignette in different parts of the stage. An excellent technical team enhanced the swift changes of mood and characters with some beautiful lighting effects. Charlotte’s story is difficult to hear in these more enlightened times but her long and complex life is worth the telling. The script was not devoid of a scattering of humorous moments, such as the recollection of a shooting incident involving her violent father. We must also be gratified that Charlotte lived a relatively long life for her times, to the age of 74. I think it was Doug himself, so keen to bring her story to life, who questioned how she had even managed to exist? She didn’t just live in a museum; she “was” a museum. The play was not afraid to tackle the issue of whether Charlotte was as innocent as she purported to be. There remains a question over her alleged collaboration with the Stasi. Did she inform on her friend who eventually died in prison, or did she do what she had to do to survive? The audience were left to draw their own conclusions but, as much as I was drawn to, and admired Charlotte, I suspect she had to make some tough decisions over the years about her own loyalties. Thank you for your warm hospitality. I feel privileged to have been introduced to this historical pioneer through such a mesmerizing theatrical experience.
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