Arinze, a black man, stands behind a black chair, his hands resting on its back. Around and above him is an orange light, the air filled with smoke
Photo by Helen Murray Photography

A landmark hit: Kohlhaas, the first ever Brighton Festival production

Theatre

Last weekend, we opened the 60th edition of Brighton Festival with a world premiere: Kohlhaas, our first ever original work produced in house. 

Directed by Omar Elerian (Misty, The Chairs, Rhinoceros) and starring Arinzé Kene (Misty, Girl From The North Country, Get Up Stand Up), Kohlhaas tells the story of one man’s fight for justice, with violent and far-reaching consequences, based on German author Heinrich von Kleist’s 1810 novella. Developed specifically with Brighton Dome Corn Exchange in mind, it was a delight to see the show come to life in the venue and receive such a wonderful reaction from audiences and critics alike. 

The Guardian
The Times
Arinze, a black man wearing an all black outfit, stands with hands raised, as if he is pleading with someone. Above him is a blue smoky cloud
Photo by Helen Murray Photography

“…an awe-inspiring production, stupendously directed by Omar Elerian […] It could not be more timeless, or more relevant.” — The Guardian

 

“…a gripping one-man show where you feel every heartbeat of the action.” — The Times

 

“Hopping between characters and armed only with a chair, Kene operates with unwavering clarity [...] the production moves with a lean, urgent pace.” — WhatsOnStage

 

The Stage
The Latest
Arinze, a black man, is sat on a black chair lit with a yellow spotlight, there is a yellow circle on the floor and a yellow haze in the air above him
Photo by Helen Murray Photography

“A tour-de-force performance by Arinzé Kene electrifies this utterly superb Brighton Festival premiere” — The Stage

 

“…an intelligent, compelling story masterfully told […] Kene’s performance is a triumph.” — Brighton & Hove News

 

“…nothing short of breathtaking” — Brighton Source

 

Audience feedback

“The sole actor was terrific - we felt the whole audience holding their breath as he unfolded the story. He used his physicality with great sensitivity and subtlety - as well as with great power.   We were mesmerised and moved. A brilliant initiative by Brighton Festival”

 

“Very powerful performance, beautifully acted. I hope this production travels to other towns to give other audiences the opportunity to see it. A play for our times.”

 

“A wonderful production - beautiful and inventive staging - a phenomenal performance of great sensitivity, grace, intelligence and skill - had the audience gripped from the start. Terrific.”

Our Chief Executive, Lucy Davies, says:

“It was a new venture, to produce a piece of theatre in-house for Brighton Festival, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud of the way Kohlhaas has landed in the world. The dream was to originate ambitious new work of an exceptional calibre and craft, and the response has been stunning. I salute the brilliance of the creative team, and our Dome colleagues."

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first Brighton Festival production – here’s to many more to come.

 

Kohlhaas supported by Louise & Jamie Arnell.

A silhouette of a man looking toward a grid of four white squares, representing a window

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