The National Theatre filmed live on stage in London’s West End, Tom Stoppard‘s latest and reportedly his last play, Leopoldstadt. The play, written by “Britain’s greatest living playwright” (Times), Tony and Academy Award-winner Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Anna Karenina) is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance in the 20th century.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Leopoldstadt was the old, crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna, Austria. But Hermann Merz, a factory owner baptised Jew now married to Catholic Gretl, has moved up in the world. We follow his family’s story across half a century, passing through the convulsions of war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. A company of 40 actors represent each generation of the family in this epic, but intimate play.
Our film reviewer Con Nats reviewed the cinematic recording o the play here. His 4 / 5 rating is a sign that this is something to get in to a cinema and see. “With an ensemble of 40 actors and almost as many characters, it is a challenge keeping up and it’s impossible to give credits where they are due, as the standards are high“.
Directed by Patrick Marber (Pinter at the Pinter, Travesties) and filmed live on stage in London’s West End, Leopoldstadt marks the triumphant return of National Theatre Live, as the first new production since the pandemic began.
Thanks to National Theatre Live, we can share their interview with Ton Stoppard. Enjoy
NT Live: Leopoldstadt release on February 5
