Goethe's Faust is to Germany what Shakespeare's Hamlet is to the English-speaking world: the greatest play, by the greatest author, creating the greatest national role. Faust is the prototype German character, always striving, never satisfied, who gets seduced into a pact with the devil.

Gustav Gründgens is widely considered the best German actor of all time. He is most famous for playing the role of the devil (Mephistopheles) in productions of Faust that he himself directed. Though he played Mephistopheles, the real-life figure Gründgens had perhaps more in common with Faust, having himself made a pact with the Nazis. Hermann Göring, the designated successor of Hitler, appointed Gründgens as head of all the state-run theatres in the Reich.Goethe's Faust is to Germany what Shakespeare's Hamlet is to the English-speaking world: the greatest play, by the greatest author, creating the greatest national role. Faust is the prototype German character, always striving, never satisfied, who gets seduced into a pact with the devil.

Gustav Gründgens is widely considered the best German actor of all time. He is most famous for playing the role of the devil (Mephistopheles) in productions of Faust that he himself directed. Though he played Mephistopheles, the real-life figure Gründgens had perhaps more in common with Faust, having himself made a pact with the Nazis. Hermann Göring, the designated successor of Hitler, appointed Gründgens as head of all the state-run theatres in the Reich.In the early '60s, Grundgens decided to quit acting and instead "live real life" by travelling the world. His first trip was to Manila, Philippines, where he died suddenly in his hotel room. Suicide was suspected.

Faust Chroma begins in Manila, 1963, where Grundgens' fever hallucinations and drug-induced rants awaken scenes from both his theatrical productions and his life. Theatre and life are mixed up throughout: Grundgens played roles in both. For Grundgens, it seems, a decision to quit acting was a decision to quit living as well.

In the Free Theatre production, scenes from Faust interplay with scenes from Grundgens' life to explore how, in modern times, performers have taken the place of politicians and politicians have become actors. As with the chameleon, changing colours is the key to survival and power in our time.

Directed by Peter Falkenberg. Text by Werner Fristch.

*Best Theatre, Dunedin Fringe Festival, April 2008

See www.freetheatre.org.nz for more information about this production and the company, Free Theatre Christchurch.

Christchurch Schedule:

Friday 6 February, 8pm

Saturday 7 February, 8pm

$10 suggested donation (it's a tour fundraiser - please feel free to contribute)

University Theatre, Arts Centre.
Bookings phone 365 3159

Wellington Schedule:

Wednesday 11 February, 8pm

Thursday 12 February, 8pm

Friday 13 February, 8pm

Saturday 14 February, 8pm

$25 waged / $20ea groups of 6 or more / $15 unwaged / $12 Fringe Addicts

Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street (book through Downstage - 04 801 6946 or www.downstage.co.nz)

Presented as part of the 2009 New Zealand Fringe Festival.

Palmerston North Schedule:

Wednesday 18 February, 8pm

Thursday 19 February, 8pm

Friday 20 February, 8pm

Saturday 21 February, 8pm

$25 waged / $20ea groups of 6 or more / $15 unwaged / $12 Massey orientation pass holders

Centrepoint Theatre. For bookings phone Centrepoint 06 354 5740 or www.centrepoint.co.nz.

Presented in association with the Massey University Students' Association Orientation '09.

"I'm encouraging people to go along because it stimulates and entertains; because it's sensual, relevant and rich; because it's damn good theatre." - Creon Upton, publicaddress.net

02/02/09