REVIEW: I AM MY OWN WIFE by Doug Wright at White Bear Theatre 1 – 5 August 2023

‘complex and engrossing’ ★★★★

I AM MY OWN WIFE, offers a complex and engrossing real life story which, for me at least, brings new understanding of the chequered history of Berlin.  Seen from the perspective of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a German transvestite and celebrated antiques dealer, it shows how she navigated some of the most dangerous regimes, the Nazis and the Communists (Stasi), to survive and thrive, founding the Gründerzeit museum which became a popular meeting place for East Berlin’s gay community.   One of the biggest surprises for a British audience might be the frankness of the sexuality during these periods.   

The play, which premiered on Broadway in 2003 and won the Pulitzer Prize for drama, is based on Doug Wright’s real-life conversations with the antiquarian von Mahlsdorf. It questions whether von Mahlsdorf is a reliable witness to her own story, which is a fascinating aspect of the writing providing a healthy sense of conflict.   Ultimately, Wright does give a very satisfactory conclusion to the drama.   He features in the play himself, along with several other characters, all portrayed by one actor, Andy Hough. 

Hough’s portrayal of von Mahlsdorf is very sympathetic and his ability to instantaneously swap to another character is impressive. Whilst I found his voice in the role of von Mahlsdorf rather annoying, fortunately so many other characters pop in and out, that this quickly, and distinctly, becomes ‘her’ voice. Each character being very well defined, so no confusion could possibly arise between them.

This production by GRiP Theatre is beautifully orchestrated. The original music by Joseph Richards welcomes us into the studio theatre with exciting and dynamic vibes, albeit a little anachronistic, once the play commences the sound by Meg Hird is totally in the period with the crackling sounds of von Mahlsdorf’s beloved gramophone being a reminder of the power of music. All the creatives have done their bit with good care whilst director Martin Richards has brought the whole together, always creating interest, never a dull moment.

I AM MY OWN WIFE

Presented by GRiP Theatre.

Starring Andy Hough. Directed by Martin Richards.

Venue: The White Bear Theatre

138 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4DJ

1 – 5 August 2023

Booking: www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk

Tickets: Standard £17 Concessions £12/ Show starts: 7.30pm

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery