Archive: Taking Sides by Ronald Harwood

Berlin, 1946 - the Allies are hunting for Nazis and no one is exempt from their investigations, even world-renowned conductor, Wilhelm Furtwangler.

An American major who hates classical music and was involved in liberating concentration camps is given the Furtwangler file and told to prosecute him ruthlessly.

Former orchestra members vouch for Furtwangler's innocence - he did what he could to protect Jewish players who were members of his orchestra. But he also performed on the eve of the Nuremberg rally and it was his recording of the Adagio of Bruckner's Seventh Symphony that was played on state radio when Hitler's death was announced.

Written by award-winning author and playwright, Ronald Harwood, Taking Sides defies its audience to decide between art and politics as the beauty and majesty of Furtwangler's music are put on the scales against the horrors of Belsen. It holds the audience in thrall, raising the most profound questions with piercing urgency and comfortless clarity.

Starring Marty Pilott as the arrogant Furtwangler and Gregor Cameron as the obnoxious major, this gripping drama also featured James Ackland, Elizabeth Marshall, Mark Harris and Katrina Bayliss.

It was directed for Stagecraft by Julia Harris and performed on the following dates.

• Wednesday 7 - Saturday 10 September 2005 at 8 pm
• Sunday 11 September 2005 at 4 pm
• Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 September 2005 at 6.30 pm
• Thursday 15 - Saturday 17 September 2005 at 8 pm

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