Mark Gatiss Terrifies as Brecht's Fascistic Cauliflower Racketeer in RSC Revival
In a stunning transformation, Mark Gatiss stars in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui at the Swan theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, delivering a performance that is both comic and deeply terrifying. Directed by Seán Linnen for the Royal Shakespeare Company, this revival of Bertolt Brecht's grotesque parable about Hitler's rise to power captivates with its circus-like staging and immaculate cast.
A Chaplinesque Gangster Turned Menacing Force
Gatiss initially appears as a tragicomic figure, clad in tramp-like clothing with a powdered face and melancholy eyes, reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator. However, as the production unfolds, he morphs into a thuggish leader, blending elements of Hitler, Scrooge, and a ghoul. His portrayal includes distinctive tics and a wavering accent that hints at German or American influences, making him almost unrecognisable and highlighting his versatile acting skills.
Brecht's Parable with Modern Parallels
Translated by Stephen Sharkey, the play juxtaposes Ui's takeover of Chicago's cauliflower racket with the rise of the Third Reich, using mobster characters to represent historical figures like Joseph Goebbels and Ernst Röhm. Christopher Godwin plays Dogsborough, a tragic stand-in for German president Paul von Hindenburg, while Mahesh Parmar provides comic relief as his son. The ensemble cast, including standout performances from Mawaan Rizwan and Janie Dee, masterfully balances cartoonish humor with underlying menace.
Spectacular Staging and Sound Design
Linnen's production embraces a carnivalesque aesthetic, with Jennifer Jackson's seductive choreography and Georgia Lowe's vibrant set and costumes. The sound design by Johnny Edwards features stylised jazzy swing cymbal patterns, while music by Placebo adds a thumping rock'n'roll energy that uncomfortably glamorizes violence. This artistic approach underscores Brecht's theme of the theatricality of fascism, from Ui's goose-step walk to his public oratory.
A Warning from History with Contemporary Resonance
While previous revivals drew direct parallels to Donald Trump's ascendancy, this production subtly nods to modern politics, with Gatiss briefly slipping into a familiar voice in a courtroom scene. The play's message remains sobering, reminding audiences that the grotesquery of fascism is ever-relevant. By the finale, the laughter fades, leaving a chilling impression of these vegetable racketeers and their transformation into organised fascists.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui runs at the Swan theatre until 30 May, offering a magnificent and thought-provoking theatrical experience that blends epic theatre with contemporary insights.
