Linck & Mülhahn ★★★★★
Hampstead Theatre, London
Handsome, swashbuckling, gender non-conformist soldier Anastasius (Maggie Bain) is living a full life – drinking, fighting, hanging with their fellow soldiers and liaising with hookers. No time or inclination to fall in love. Trying their best to live life their way, but limiting their feelings to protect themselves. Then one day, Anastasius meets Catharina (Helena Wilson), a rebellious young woman who refuses to tow early 1720’s Prussian society’s expectations of how a woman should live her life. The two quickly fall in love and try to carve out a place in society for themselves, despite Catharina’s mother’s (Lucy Black) best attempts to sabotage the relationship.
Ruby Thomas’ epic and playful modern love story is inspired by eighteen-century court records and the extraordinary true lives of this gender-pioneering couple. Currently on its worldwide premier at London’s excellent Hampstead Theatre, this innovative production, (directed by Owen Horsley) is sure to run and run.
Equally funny and brutal, and punctuated by short bursts of an energizing punk/new wave soundtrack, Linck and Mulhahn effortlessly connect life in 1720’s Prussia to today’s modern living. The play’s themes of love, living your truest life, the brevity of life, and fighting for your rights are as relevant today as they have ever been, and easy for anyone to connect with. Trans and non-binary people (we love a label don’t we?) have been present throughout the history of humanity, but their histories have rarely been documented. This play changes that and hopefully will take the understanding of the spectrum of gender to a wider audience.
Bain and Wilson are excellent as Anastasius and Catharina. Lucy Black also deserves a mention as Catharina’s brutal, formidable, yet often hilarious mother, and Leigh Quinn plays a very comical maid. The very diverse cast works perfectly together and sound designer Max Pappenheim deserves a mention for his brilliant soundtrack. Very original theatre. Unmissable.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
