by Eleanor Mannikka
synopsis
Director Hans Neuenfels adapted this rather theatrical version of a 1920s play by Robert Musil on the angst of reaching 40+, introducing emotional components that Musil himself preferred to avoid -- but that might satisfy today's audiences. Five protagonists gather together at a Berlin villa one February morning and in the space of 24 hours discuss, argue, and otherwise verbalize their views on life, on alienation (in the 1920s!), and on topics that will be universal for all future generations, such as relationships and the nature of reality. Individual viewers will have to decide if the theatrical approach of Neuenfels works for them or not.
