Summer 1940. On a peaceful morning in her Washington D.C. living room, widow Fanny Farrelly anxiously awaits the return of her daughter and her German husband, fleeing Europe with their children.
As night falls, dark secrets emerge, and this American sanctuary becomes even more dangerous than what they left behind.
Known for her success on Broadway (The Little Foxes, The Children's Hour) Lillian Hellman was also a brilliant activist, ahead of her time. WATCH ON THE RHINE is her masterpiece political thriller, given a timely revival by director Ellen McDougall.
Cast includes Olivier Award winner Patricia Hodge and Caitlin FitzGerald (Succession, Inventing Anna) and John Light (The Son).
__Show warnings: please note this section contains spoilers__
The play contains references to concentration camps, shooting, bombing and refugees all in the context of WWII
There are also references to gambling, bribery and murder.
There are scenes of physical violence.
__Access performances__
CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE
Monday 23 January 7.30pm
AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE
Saturday 28 January 2.30pm, touch tour at 1pm
BSL PERFORMANCE
Saturday 21 January 2.30pm
If Hellman’s message about the foolishness of American isolationism – both politically and practically – feels perennially relevant, then there’s no denying ‘Watch on the Rhine’ was written for a specific time. It must have been incendiary in its day. It’s not now. But its shift from bourgeoise cosiness to shocking violence remains bravura stuff.
While its plot has the feel of a twisty crime thriller and a textbook villain in the dastardly count who holds the house to ransom, we are so engaged by what it asks of us and its tension that the melodrama does not jar. Last year the Donmar became a victim of Arts Council England’s funding cuts. This must-watch show more than proves its worth.
1941 | Broadway |
Broadway |
1980 | Broadway |
Broadway |
2022 | West End |
West End |
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