They Divided The Sky

They Divided The Sky

East Germany arrives to the Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre with the premier of the Daniel Schlusser Ensemble’s They Divided The Sky. Adapted from Christa Wolf’s first full-length novel of the same title, They Divided The Sky was controversial upon its release in 1963, resulting in state censorship when the novel was translated.

“It’s a book that gives you this frisson of excitement because there is this notoriety and element of danger such that the state felt it was important to omit parts of the story upon its release to the west,” says Daniel Schlusser, who adapted and directed the play.

“Wolf manages to take his incredibly personal story and make it resonate as a broader metaphor for a country that was dividing itself in two.”

They Divided The Sky follows the curious and passionate Rita (Nikki Shiels) as she falls in love with her personality opposite, Manfred (Stephen Phillips). Set against the backdrop of an East Germany in generational turmoil, the pair must navigate the social and political forces challenging their relationship.

“Audiences can expect a very dynamic production performed by two extraordinary performers, telling a story in an intimate space in an intimate way,” says Schlusser. “The story is both a beautiful love story and a kind of meditation on some of the big forces of history and how they affect individuals.”

They Divided The Sky is part of the Belvoir’s 25A program, an initiative promoting low-cost, independent theatre making.

Until Jun 30. Belvoir St Theatre, 18 & 25 Belvoir St Surry Hills. $25+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.belvoir.com.au

By Emily Shen

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