Aurora Theatre Company Presents The Bay Area Premiere of LENI

Can an artist ever be truly "apolitical" if their work serves the ends of powerful political forces?

In Aurora Theatre Company's Bay Area Premiere of Sarah Greenman's wildly creative biographical play, LENI, German film director Leni Riefenstahl's evasive older self and seductive younger self work to edit the perfect film of her life. Riefenstahl's two most famous films, "Triumph of the Will" and "Olympia," are still recognized as works of cinematic brilliance even as they are reviled as propaganda for the Nazi regime. With LENI, Greenman explores the controversial Riefenstahl, whose work in the 1930's was comparable to the films of Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock, but embodied some of the most troubling contradictions of her time.

Riefenstahl's influence is deeply embedded in our culture, from our clothing ads to the way sporting events are shot to how the President lands his plane and makes his entrance. But was she Hitler's puppet? Was she aware she was making such strong pieces of propaganda for Hitler? Was someone who wanted beauty to be the new religion simply blind to the events happening around her? An intelligent brief on artistic responsibility, influence, and narcissism, LENI journeys deep inside the mind and media of an artist to discover why art can be a dangerous business.

Jon Tracy (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, Breakfast With Mugabe) directs this multi-media play, called "a thought-provoking tour through the world of Nazi propagandist Leni Riefenstahl. Greenman demonstrates a masterful confidence as her text darts from one decade to the next and one Leni to another. It shouldn't work, but it does, to stunning effect" by Seattle Weekly. Featuring Stacy Ross(Gidion's Knot, Wilder Times) and Martha Brigham (The How and The Why).

For tickets (Previews $36; Regular Performances $45, 55; Limited Opening Night Seating $65 - sold out) the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org. Half-off tickets for Under 35; student, and group discounts available.

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