Marlene – a musical of one of the most popular film stars of the 1930s premiered in Berlin

Marlene Dietrich was one of the most iconic film stars of the 1930s and 1940s

Sven Ratzke will play legendary actress and singer Marlene Dietrich in the production of MARLENE at the Renaissance Theater Berlin. The show opened on October 8 2023 and ran till the middle of February 2024 in Berlin. From the end of February till the end of May 2024, the show will tour in The Netherlands and Belgium.

From this perspective, Pam Gems' new adaptation of the original version of the play develops into a surprising, humorous and touching story. A prologue and an epilogue, written especially for this performance by the renowned Dutch writer Connie Palmen, offer the play additional lyrical emotional spheres. From the depths of Marlene's soul.

The congenial partner on the piano is the young Dutch pianist Jetse de Jong, who, together with Sven Ratzke, completely reinterprets the music and leads the evening's music. Johanna Asch plays the young Viv, Marlene's friend and antagonist, as her stage partner. Guntbert Warns stages this new version in the set design by Ezio Toffolutti, enriched with specially created costumes by the British star fashion designer Ian Griffiths (Creative Director / Max Mara).

Sven Ratzke said: “Marlene Dietrich wandered between the sexes and showed enormous courage in her stubbornness and absolute perfectionism. Trapped in fame and lost in a fictional character of her own making. I look into the mirror she holds up to our time and all artists, see myself and look for her. What a challenge!”

Also stars Johanna Ash (in Berlin) and Julia Herfst (in NL).
The show was directed by Guntbert Warns. Additional text by Connie Palmen. Set design by Ezio Toffolutti, Costume design by Ian Griffiths, and creative director Max Mara. Shoes by Jan Jansen.

​Photo by Alek Bruessing

Watch the trailer here: