Tulsa Theatre Project Collaborates with Lyric on “I Am My Own Wife”, an Outstanding Theatrical Experience
Matthew Alvin Brown as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in “I Am My Own Wife” from Lyric Production.
One of the most outstanding shows seen by okartsceneandhurd is a Lyric Production of “I Am My Own Wife” starring the talented Matthew Alvin Brown. The Lyric production is now a co-production by Lyric and Tulsa Project Theatre. Directed by Michael Baron is now showing in Tulsa from September 13 through September 24, 2017. The theatre address is 110 E. 2nd Street in Tulsa and tickets and information is available by calling 918-770-6679 or visit www.tulsaprojecttheatre.com. They also have an excellent season coming up including a co-production with CityRep, “Tick, Tick…Boom!” this spring.
Below is the review written for “I Am My Own Wife” last spring at Lyric:
Oklahoma City’s Lyric Theatre presents Matthew Alvin Brown in a phenomenal one man performance of “I Am My Own Wife” from playwright Doug Wright. Wright became interested in the true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, born Lothar Berfelde, and determined to interview her and tell her story of survival under oppression. As a young man, Berfelde suffered under an abusive father, an SS officer of the Third Reich. At the height of WWII Lothar defended himself successfully against his father, striking a blow for freedom for himself and his mother. Discovering he was more comfortable in the clothing and persona of a woman, he became a transvestite.
The Nazi regime was responsible for the death of over 6 million Jews and other undesirables. Lothar, now commonly known as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf survived the final months of the Nazi horror in juvenile detention for his act of bravery. He was released by the early saviors of his section of Berlin–the Russians. This bunch was no more tolerant of eccentric behavior than the Nazi’s had been and Charlotte had to tread a very careful line as she managed the museum she had created. Her love of music had led her to collecting early recording devices beginning, of course, with Edison. Her large male hands gently caressed the fragile wax cylinders of early phonographs and the Gründerzeit Museum was born.
Wright ultimately developed the powerful play quoting von Mahldorf, ‘I am my own wife’ for the title “I Am My Own Wife” which is also the title of her memoir. Michael Baron directs Brown in a fine production. Brown portrays Charlotte beautifully with extremely natural movements clearly demonstrating her in-born feminism displaying bravery with a just a hint of male bravado. The performance is astounding. In addition to perfectly realizing Charlotte, Brown takes on over 30 different characters in Charlotte’s life from her SS father, to her Stasi interrogators, her friends and family. Interestingly Brown also portrays playwright Doug Wright conducting the interviews. Brown has an amazing ability to demurely swish his skirt and then, mid-stride, transform the skirt to a pair of trousers.
The story is fascinating and this play has earned many awards, among them the Pulitzer Prize, the only one-man-show to do so. Baron and Brown provide a thoughtful and accurate interpretation from considerable research and it shows in every aspect of the production. Scenic Designer, Kate Sullivan is responsible for an intricate set that provides a deliciously simple environment, and incidentally can be used again as the set for “James and the Giant Peach” being performed the same day.
“I Am My Own Wife” is being performed at Lyric at the Plaza through April 9, 2017. Show times are 7:30 PM for weeknights and 8:00 PM for Friday and Saturday nights. The final performance will be on Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM and the Saturday 2:00 PM Matinee will be American Sign Language Interpreted. The theatre is located at 1727 NW 16th Street in the exciting Plaza District. For tickets or further information call 405-524-9312 or visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com.