Over There

A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Over There

Full-Length Play, Satire/Political Satire  /  2m

Mark Ravenhill

When Franz's mother escaped to the West with one of her identical twin boys, she left the other behind. Now, twenty-five years later, Karl crosses the border in search of his other half. Mark Ravenhill's visceral new play examines the hungers released when...

Image: 2009 Royal Court Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)

Over There

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adventure, Period
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

When Franz’s mother escaped to the West with one of her identical twin boys, she left the other behind. Now, twenty-five years later, Karl crosses the border in search of his other half. As history takes an unexpected turn, the brothers must struggle to reconnect. Mark Ravenhill’s visceral play examines the hungers released when two countries, separated by a common language, meet again.

 


History

Premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 2009.

Cast Attributes
Keywords
Performing Groups
KARL: Franz's twin. Represents East Belin
FRANZ: Karl's twin. Represents West Berlin

Most effective with similar/identical looking actors.

Note from Mark Ravenhill: I'm happy for any of the parts to be played by whoever, whatever
gender. The gendered casting is only a suggestion and the parts are open to
anyone wherever they are on the gender spectrum. 

  • Time Period 1950s, 1940s/WWII, 1930s
  • Setting Before, during, and after WWII, Germany
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Drag Performance
  • Duration 75 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

"In chilly, bizarre scenes of strikingly spare dialogue, Ravenhill deftly conjures a succession of meetings between the men over five years — before, during and after the fall of the Wall." - Variety, Read More

"Slowly, Ravenhill uses [the actors] to reveal differences in their cultures and outlooks, each protective of his own country, while inquisitive about the alternate life that could so easily have been his own." British Theatre Guide, Read More

"For a play that is brash and flashy in many regards, its beauty lies in the subtle way that it builds emotion and tension. Through the twins, Ravenhill masterfully traces the virulent euphoria of the fall of the Berlin wall, the initial fascination with the ‘other’ who is at once deeply familiar and entirely alien, and the gradual souring of a relationship that becomes fraught with jealousy and resentment." CafeBabel, Read More

Photos

  • Over There

    Image: 2009 Royal Court Theatre Production (Tristram Kenton)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

Scripts

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Authors

Mark Ravenhill

Mark Ravenhill
Mark Ravenhill was born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex in 1966. He studied Drama and English at Bristol University. His first play Shopping and Fucking was produced by Out of Joint and the Royal Court Theatre in 1996. Subsequent plays include Faust Is Dead and Handbag (both ...
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