This past week I had the liberty of attending an amazing performance of the absurdist dark comedy, Mein Uncle. Written and directed by Aliza Shane, this strangely interesting tale centers around Adolf Hitler’s niece, Angela Maria “Geli” Raubal. Performed at the Robert Moss Theater (440 Lafayette), the play encompasses a unique array of actors using simple set pieces to create the necessary motifs.
The story plot revolves around “Geli”, who in real-life was the second child of Hitler’s half-sister, Angela Raubal. History writes that Adolf was very fond of his niece, and felt it to be his duty to protect her from the outside world because of its irreversible influence. There are rumors that the two shared an intimate relationship, as well, which leads us to the evolution of this play.
On September 19, 1931, several Nazi staff members found the body of “Geli” Raubal on the floor of her room in Hitler’s Munich apartment. Her official autopsy report lists her death as suicide, from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the chest. Her death is said to be the catalyst for the eruption of deep seeded hatred, which would lead to one of the most devastating wars in our history.
Director Aliza Shane, uses the symbol of a large birdcage for her 3 Voices Theater production; symbolizing protection but later presenting itself as imprisonment. Uncle Alf (Hitler), played by Eric Percival, commands the stage by executing his role impeccably. There are several scenes during the performance, especially with opposite lead Amanda Marikar (Geli), that reverberate such raw emotion, resulting in a seat cringing somesthesia.
The beginning of the play focuses largely on the naïve nature of this young girl. Her misunderstanding of the strange behavior her uncle exhibits centers around her childlike innocence. As the plot develops Geli is befriended by Uncle Alf’s new employee, Emil (Jordan Tierney). Emil’s first encounter with Geli leaves him with a plethora of questions, especially concerning his boss and the relationship he shares with his niece. His meddling interest in discovering the truth ultimately leads to the unraveling of each character’s mental stability.
Although this is a delicate subject to revolve a performance around, there is a noticeable amount of consideration taken into account. This plot is not meant to make the audience sympathize with Geli but to explore a “fairy tale” interpretation of a loosely based historical fact, as well as understand the one individual who happened to have the ability to suppress the evil that festered inside a terrible man.
Overall, as 3 Voice Theatres first full-length production I truly enjoyed the performance. The cast was quite magnificent at playing off each other’s silent queues. The symbolism was powerful and helped draw the audience into the tale. I look forward to future performances from this group as well as future plays from Aliza Shane.
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