A New Take on The Duchess of Malfi at Open House Theatre
Recently, Vienna’s English-speaking theater scene has been buzzing with some fantastic productions, and Open House Theatre’s latest staging of The Duchess of Malfi is no exception. In collaboration with Wide Open Vienna and the Bilingual Schauspielakademie (BSA), this new take on John Webster’s 17th-century play promises a thoughtful and refreshing evening of theater, blending classic drama with a modern twist.
The Duchess of Malfi is a timeless tale of power, secrecy, and defiance. Set in Renaissance Italy, the play revolves around the life of a noblewoman, who, after being widowed, chooses to remarry in secret. This bold act sets off a series of tragic events. The story is deeply rooted in the era it was written. Its themes of autonomy, repression, and the consequences of forbidden love, however, continue to resonate today.
The plot centers on the Duchess’s decision to marry her lover, Antonio. This goes against the strict orders of her brothers. They demand she remain single to preserve the family’s honor. As her brothers scheme to uncover her secret, the story spirals into a tale of betrayal, madness, and destruction. Through its twists and turns, the play explores the dangers of control, the complexity of desire, as well as the courage it takes to live on one’s own terms.
The Teams Behind the Production
The team of Open House Theatre, a well-regarded company in Vienna’s English-language theater community, beautifully bring this theatre production to life. We personally love their intimate, inventive performance style and we are sure you will enjoy it too. One partner in the production is Wide Open Vienna. It’s a cultural initiative that brings an additional creative dimension to the project. Another partner is the Bilingual Schauspielakademie (BSA), which supports the production with its expertise in bilingual performing arts education.
Performance Details
With performances at Theater Arche, this production offers a chance to enjoy a fresh interpretation of a classic. The play will premiere on November 5th. Performances will take place between 5.11-8.11 and 11.11-16.11. To secure your seats, visit the Open House Theatre website and book your tickets today!
