Skip to main content
Shop Merch Add a Show Listing
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared at Open Fist Theatre Company

Dates: 3/28/2026 - 5/3/2026


Share
Dietrich Smith's adaptation of Kafka's Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared returns for a limited six-week run at Open Fist Theatre Company. The story follows 17-year-old Karl Rossmann, who is banished from Germany and embarks on a bewildering journey through New York City. This production features playful animations by John R. Dilworth and a soundscape by Academy Award-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom. Oqalile Tshetshe takes on the role of Karl, with returning cast members including Tambrie Allsup and Matthew Goodrich.

Cast and Creative Team for Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared at Open Fist Theatre Company

Cast

Oqalile Tshetshe
Karl Rossmann
Tambrie Allsup
Ensemble
Matthew Goodrich
Ensemble
Jade Santana
Ensemble
Jack Sharpe
Ensemble
Grace Soens
Ensemble
Jeremy D. Thompson
Ensemble
Emma Bruno
Ensemble
Maria Mastroyannis
Ensemble
Elliott Moore
Ensemble
Pat Towne
Ensemble
Julien Thompson
Ensemble

Creative Team

Jen Kays
Artistic director
Tim Wright
Executive director
Martha Demson
Artistic director
John Dimitri
Production stage manager
Tim Wright
Associate producer
Amanda Weier
Producer
D Morris
Graphic designer
Nick Foran
Projection and sound programmer
Bruce Dickinson
Props
Shen Heckel
Props
A. Jeffrey Schoenberg
Costume designer
Gavan Wyrick
Lighting designer
Frederica Nascimento
Set designer
Gary Rydstrom
Sound designer
John R. Dilworth
Playful animation sequences
Dietrich Smith
Directed by
Dietrich Smith
Adapted from novel
Elizabeth Moore
Backdrops

News About Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared at Open Fist Theatre Company

PHOTOS: Open Fist/Circle X's Co-production of Kafka’s AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
PHOTOS: Open Fist/Circle X's Co-production of Kafka’s AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
March 28, 2026 Check out production photos from Dietrich Smith’s acclaimed adaptation of Franz Kafka’s first novel, Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, which returns this weekend in a co-production between Open Fist and Circle X Theatre Companies.
AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED Returns for Six-Week Run at Atwater Village Theatre
AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED Returns for Six-Week Run at Atwater Village Theatre
March 04, 2026 Dietrich Smith's acclaimed adaptation of Franz Kafka's Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared will return to the Atwater Village Theatre stage by popular demand.
Photos: AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED World Premiere Kafka Adaptation at Open Fist Theatre Company
Photos: AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED World Premiere Kafka Adaptation at Open Fist Theatre Company
October 24, 2025 Open Fist Theatre Company to present the world premiere of Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, a new stage adaptation of Franz Kafka’s unfinished novel by Dietrich Smith. Check out photos of the production.
Interview: Dietrich Smith on AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
Interview: Dietrich Smith on AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
October 12, 2025 I decided to speak with Dietrich Smith, adaptor and director of Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, about his journey to present it as well as his interest in Franz Kafka’s story.
Open Fist to Present World Premiere Adaptation of Kafka’s AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
Open Fist to Present World Premiere Adaptation of Kafka’s AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED
August 19, 2025 Dietrich Smith directs the world premiere of Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, for Open Fist Theatre Company at Open Fist. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!

About the Theatre

Open Fist Theatre Company

📍
Open Fist Theatre Company
, ,

Similar Shows Nearby

Open Fist Theatre Company Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

What shows have played recently at Open Fist Theatre Company?

BOTH: A Hard Day’s Silent Night (12/18/24-12/22/24)
The Bauhaus Project (07/22/24-08/25/24)

Good Night, Oscar in Los Angeles Good Night, Oscar
North Coast Repertory (9/16-10/11)
Catch Me If You Can in Los Angeles Catch Me If You Can
Colony Theatre (9/17-10/18) PHOTOS
Comics Reading Comics in Los Angeles Comics Reading Comics
Dynasty Typewriter (9/13-9/13)
Gershwin and the Golden Age in Los Angeles Gershwin and the Golden Age
The Soraya (10/11-10/11)
It's A Lot in Los Angeles It's A Lot
Lyric Hyperion Theater & Cafe (9/17-9/19)
Jane Austen UnScripted in Los Angeles Jane Austen UnScripted
Kings Road Park (9/12-9/27)
Melt : The Play in Los Angeles Melt : The Play
The Marilyn Theatre at the Lee Strasberg Institute (9/24-10/02) PHOTOS
Our Man in Santiago by Mark Wilding in Los Angeles Our Man in Santiago by Mark Wilding
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble (9/10-9/20) PHOTOS
2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo F2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102 amily Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102  in Los Angeles 2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo F2 added shows only! CINDERELLA – an “Enchanting” Rudie-DeCarlo Family Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102 amily Theatre Musical Comedy for kids 2 to 102
Santa Monica Playhouse (9/12-9/13)
In The Heights in Los Angeles In The Heights
New Village Arts (6/04-7/18)