Review: Ben Gerrard Takes On Multiple Roles As He Delves Into the Life Of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in I AM MY OWN WIFE

Thursday 19th November 2015, 7:30pm, The Old Fitz Theatre

The complex life of German transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf (born Lothar Berfelde) is explored as writer Doug Wright unearths memories from conversations and research with the intriguing cross dressing antiquarian in I AM MY OWN WIFE. Directed by Shaun Rennie, solo actor Ben Gerrard is outstanding as he moves between the varied characters from America and Germany.

The most striking feature of Caroline Comino's (Set Designer) intimate stage is the wallpaper of documents lining part of the timber frame walls. The documents, in German, appear to be photocopies of official reports which included photographs of car boots and building plans. The stage is set with part of a wooden table with a chair, another half chair emerging from a wall, a pedestal and a small step ladder.

An unseen radio discussing the Berlin Wall plays as a figure in black headscarf, pearls, button shirt and skirt and apron enters briefly before returning with a box. With a thick but feminine German accent, we start to get an insight into Charlotte's passion for phonographs as she lovingly talks about Edison's first recording device and her collection of 5000 cylinders.

Whilst the 90minute two act work centers on Charlotte, Gerrard also takes on the role of Doug Wright, the writer behind the work, as he talks of his process from being intrigued by the eccentric survivor to deciding what to include in his account of her life. In addition, the audience also hears from a range of other characters. Gerrard does an amazing job of creating the different personalities through his mastery of accents and small changes in mannerisms ensuring each is distinctive and also appropriate and his German sounds authentic.

The recount of Charlotte's survival in Germany during World War II Nazi rule, East German Communism, and post reunification eras, through most of which being a cross dressing male would have been extremely difficult, is amazing and Gerrard presents it with sensitivity and strength. The detailed text allows the audience to imagine Charlotte's world, particularly her museum of everyday articles, the Gründerzeit, filled with clocks and record players that she cherishes but refuses to restore, using simple props that have a common cubic form.

Sound designer Nate Edmondson has bought together archive recordings of radio broadcasts and interviews along with a selection of music to emphasize the importance records played in Charlotte's life. Hugh Hamilton has intensified the mood, and assisted in the character changes with the use of lighting that goes from broad welcoming washes, to pointed spotlights and mood changing backlighting.

IAM MY OWN WIFE is a detailed, powerful work that explores the mysterious and intriguing person from her tumultuous youth to the acceptance of her predilection to women's clothes, her passion for collecting and the challenges she faces in a society that was always watching and always suspicious. Her ability to survive and the complexity of her life holds a message for future generations that you can live your life without compromising who you are. When paired with Wright's journey to create the work, which is presented throughout the work, we see the need to believe in our 'heroes' and the challenge of deciding what to believe.

I AM MY OWN WIFE

Old Fitz Theatre

129 Dowling Street Woolloomooloo

17 November - 5 December 2015

Photos: Rupert Reid

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