Program 2013

Ganesh Versus the Third Reich

Back to Back Theatre (Australia)

Directed by Bruce Gladwin

Devised by Mark Deans, Marcia Ferguson, Bruce Gladwin, Simon Laherty, Scott Price, Kate Sulan, Brian Tilley, and David Woods

Running Time: 105 minutes

The Public Theater: 425 Lafayette Street

$20 Tickets: publictheater.org or call 212-967-7555

Last seen at UTR 08 with small metal objects, Back to Back returns to UTR with a beautiful and disarming production, full of vulnerability. The story begins with the elephant-headed god Ganesh's travels through Nazi Germany to reclaim the Swastika, an ancient Hindu symbol. As the hero embarks on his journey a second narrative is revealed: the actors themselves begin to feel the responsibility of storytellers and question the ethics of cultural appropriation.

One of Australia's most respected theatre companies, Australia's Back to Back Theatre has developed a global reputation for its unique ability to create and present the issues of our times with a distinct outsider focus. Back to Back's shows soft, small metal objects, Food Court and Ganesh Versus the Third Reich have won international acclaim for their bold investigations into the ensemble's collective imagination and have toured to 49 cities around the world.

"Courageous, confronting, intelligent and magisterially considered theatre." - The Age (Five *****)

Back to Back Theatre is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, by the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and by the City of Greater Geelong.

The premiere season of Ganesh Versus the Third Reich was also supported by Keir Foundation, Melbourne Festival, Malthouse Theatre, National Theatre Studio (London) and ANZ Trustees.

Patrons are advised that the performance of Ganesh Versus the Third Reich contains coarse language, adult themes and a portrayal of Lord Ganesh which some may find troubling. The production is a work of fiction and does not purport to be an accurate representation of historical fact or scripture.

Photos by Jeff Busby