Berlin's Bold Musical Reimagines Jewish Life After WWII Through Song and Struggle
A bold new musical at Berlin's Maxim Gorki Theater reimagines Jewish life in post-1945 Germany through song, drama, and striking visuals. East Side Story – A German Jewsical follows two sisters, Gerda and Renate, as they navigate the aftermath of war and the division of their country. The production blends tragedy with rhythmic energy, avoiding spectacle in favour of intimate storytelling and a mix of musical styles.
The story unfolds from the end of World War II to German reunification, structured around three central conflicts: human against human, human against system, and human against self. Dora, played by Jasna Fritzi Bauer, narrates the events, weaving together the sisters' divergent paths. Gerda, portrayed by Nairi Hadodo, embraces radical individualism, her costume adorned with the title of Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. Meanwhile, Renate, played by Sesede Terziyan, commits to socialist ideals, her outfit featuring a black-and-white portrait of a GDR icon. Their mother, acted by Lindy Larsson, wears a gown with an African mask, hinting at bourgeois education and classical modernism.
The musical's format allows for lyrical intensity and stylised exaggeration without softening the weight of its themes. Melancholic pop, jazz, and other influences shape the soundtrack, creating a balance between lightness and gravity. As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that Dora has reimagined her relatives' lives as fiction. The production closes with a Jewish partisan anthem, reinforcing its exploration of identity and survival.
Staged as one of the final ensemble shows before the Gorki Theater's closure, the production stands out for its artistic choices. The creative team, under new leadership, opted for a restrained yet evocative approach, letting the story's emotional depth take centre stage.
The musical leaves audiences with a reflection on Jewish existence in postwar Germany, framed by personal and political struggles. Through its blend of music, symbolism, and narrative, East Side Story – A German Jewsical offers a unique perspective on history and memory. The play's final moments, marked by the partisan anthem, underscore its themes of resilience and reinvention.
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