The Questors presentTaking Sides
by Ronald Harwood1946 post-war Berlin: anger, brutality and Beethoven
What would you have done? That's the implicit question in Ronald Harwood’s play about the role of the artist in a totalitarian regime.
Taking Sides, set in the American zone of a 1946 post-war Berlin, is based on the true story of Wilhelm Furtwängler’s decision to stay in Germany during the Nazi reign.
So many artists had chosen to leave, but Furtwängler believed that the country needed music now more than ever. He became known as Hitler’s conductor and it was his recording of Bruckner's Seventh Symphony which was played on the radio in the wake of Hitler's suicide.
The American major leading the questioning is determined to uncover evidence that the maestro was not a saviour of Jews, but a willing collaborator.
Ronald Harwood’s powerful and moving play leaves it up to you to decide which side you’re taking…
Suitable for ages 12+
Running time: approximately 1 hours 45 mins (plus a 15 minute interval)
