The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (2004/2005)
Lizzi Breckon, Mal Smith, and Kerry Frampton in Splendid’s 2004 production of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui (photos: Lewis Wileman)
Murder! Extortion! Highway Robbery!
Arturo Ui is a fast-paced comedic piece of Brechtian Theatre for young and old. This story shows us the two-bit gangster Arturo Ui and his steep rise to power.
Does that hoodlum remind you of anyone? Is it the small square moustache?
See dancing gangsters, conniving cauliflower-sellers, and swearing puppets as our three talented performers bringing Depression-era Chicago (or is it Germany?) to life!
Splendid Productions’ hilarious one-hour adaptation of Brecht’s infamous allegory poses the question “how could we have let this idiot become so powerful?” reminding us that it is not always the cream that rises to the top.
Arturo Ui sings his backstory in a clip from a 2004 performance
Education pack cover design: Kerry Frampton
Splendid Productions’ ‘The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’
Toured Sept 2004 – March 2005
Written by: Bertolt Brecht
Adapted by: Ben Hales
Directed by: Mark Tillotson
Songs by: Ben Hales
Design by: Kerry Frampton
Costumes by: Kerry Frampton, Christine Frampton
Music & Projections by: Ben Hales
Cast & Characters
Lizzi Breckon: Announcer, Arturo Ui, Judge
Mal Smith: Clark, Roma, The Actor, Hook, Betty Dullfeet, Vegetable Dealer
Kerry Frampton: Carruthers, Sheet, Dogsborough, Ragg, G, O’Casey, Ignatius Dullfeet, Vegetable Dealer
with thanks to:The Jerwood Space, Y-Touring, Matt Wilde, Rosie McKay
More about Arturo Ui
“The performance was the best piece of ‘Brecht’ we have ever seen – at school or in theatres.”
Emma Powell, Glyn Technology School
“Generally pupils think his plays are boring but you brought ‘Arturo Ui’ to life for them. You allow pupils to see Brechtian theory and technique in action”
Andrea Asbury, Hull Collegiate School
“Lively, funny, accessible. Students enthralled”
Hazel Gibson, The McAuley Catholic High School
“An outstanding example of gestic acting and distancing techniques. Comedic and pacey”
Liz Johnson, John of Gaunt School
“It was an excellent vehicle for teaching Brecht – full of Brechtian techniques.”
Rick Perrins, Esher College
“Thank you for your enthusiastic and engaging work… the students are all buzzing about Brecht which was my aim for your visit…”
Nicola Nolan, King Edward VII School
“It was impressive the range of skills presented and the final reincarnation of Hitler was mesmerising.”
Meg Beckett, Bedgebury School
“The energy and clarity of the performers was exceptional”
Alacoque Marvin, St Marys School
“You’ve inspired the group to consider a Brecht play for their final piece!”
Chris Tindsley, The Henrietta Barnett School, London