East Germany is in generational turmoil: post-war trauma is in conflict with youthful optimism. Curious and passionate Rita is falling in love with hilariously pedantic Manfred. Together, they are fearless.
Utopias seem possible. Marxism! Socialism! Revolution! But the Cold War is already underway and when Manfred’s professional ambitions are thwarted, he looks to the west. The Soviets have put a man into space and a famous Wall is about the split the city. Will their love go the way of their beloved country, or will Rita’s idealism, and seemingly boundless capacity for sacrifice triumph?
Christa Wolf was one of the most famous German authors of her generation. Her first full-length novel They Divided The Sky was hailed at the time for its artistic achievement and excoriated for its “decadent” politics. This timely adaptation by Daniel Schlusser has been written for two of our finest performers, Nikki Shiels, and Stephen Phillips and features an extraordinary team of designers.
With the support of the terrific Belvoir 25A initiative, we are confident that They Divided The Sky will be a highlight of the Sydney theatre year, and we want your help to ensure its excellence and to give it every opportunity to take it further.
Your donation will certainly provide welcome assistance to this Melbourne/Sydney co-operative effort, but most importantly, we are seeking funds for the ambitious reason that we want the production to tour.
With your help, we can ensure that They Divided The Sky is comprehensively documented and that the work can be done both during the season and immediately afterward to attract the interest of producers and theatre companies who can take the show around Australia and overseas.
