Currently no performances
Germany in the 1930s: a woman puts on her deceased husband's trousers – and never takes them off again. She takes over his job and his identity. As the world around her succumbs to war, dictatorship, hunger and barbarism, she fights for survival in a male role. Oscar-winner Tilda Swinton returns to the stage as Ella/Max with her celebrated solo performance.
Premiere on 5th September 2026 at the Royal Court Theatre London
Berlin-Premiere on 9th February 2027 Großes Haus
A coproduction between the Royal Court Theatre, the Berliner Ensembles and Brian & Dayna Lee.
In english with german surtitles.
Germany in the 1930s: a woman puts on her deceased husband's trousers – and never takes them off again. Ella becomes Max. She takes over his job as a crane operator and his identity. As the world around her succumbs to war, dictatorship, hunger and barbarism, she fights for survival in a male role. "Man to Man" is a poignant and poetic study of one woman's resilience and at the same time a panorama of the 20th century.
Actor, writer and director Manfred Karge began his career at the Berliner Ensemble under Helene Weigel as artistic director. First produced in 1982 in Bochum, the British adaptation of "Man to Man" (Royal Court Theatre, 1988) with Tilda Swinton as Ella/Max became an international success. More than thirty years after she first brought this role to life, Swinton is now returning to the stage.
The new production once again unites the multi-award-winning creative team, including Stephen Unwin ("The Conquest of the South Pole") and stage designer Bunny Christie ("People, Places and Things"). After being shown at the Berliner Ensemble in spring 2027, the play will then move on to New York City.
- Tilda Swinton Ella/Max
- Stephen Unwin Regie
- Bunny Christie Ausstattung
- Elena Peña Sound Design
- Ben Ormerod Licht