Details

Normal, is one of Neilson's early and most enthralling pieces. This is a darkly humorous and unflinchingly brutal work based on real events. This play follows the last days of the Dusseldorf Ripper: Peter Kurten. Kurten is on trial for multiple, macabre and sexually motivated murders; at his hands men, women, children, dogs, pigs and even swans have all suffered horribly. Na?ve, young lawyer Justus Wehner intends to plead insanity but as the play unfolds a more complex reading of the Ripper emerges: damaged, aggressive and sadistic but also calm, methodical, loving, intelligent and funny. Reality and fantasy merge as Wehner becomes seduced by the intriguing and seductive charms of Peter's wife and by Peter's stories.

Cast/Performers

Gareth Somers (Peter Kurten), Catherine Somers (Frau Kurten), Elliott Brennan (Justus Wehner)

Creatives/Company

Author: Anthony Neilson
Company: Sensuous Manifold
Director(s): Patrick Duggan, Hannah Calvert (assistant)