Power Plays

As East Germany crumbled in 1989, actors were centre stage. Andrew Dickson discovers how had theatre had survived under communist rule, with its censors and secret police spies. Focusing in particular on the playwright Heiner Mueller, he explores the brilliant creativity and unique relationship with audiences that made theatre so important. But there were compromises and setbacks too. And after the end of communism actors and writers struggled for relevance - though Mueller's work on global themes is enjoying a revival today

This programme was first broadcast in November 2019, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Sadly, Maik Hamburger died in 2020.

Producer: Chris Bowlby

Editor: Penny Murphy

How theatre challenged the East German government - but was swept aside as communism fell.