Marlene

In his new show ‘Marlene’ Sven Ratzke plays the role of the legendary Marlene Dietrich: a film goddess full of mystery and glamour, who, as a chansonnière, experienced a second career worldwide and chose isolation in her Parisian apartment during the last years of her life.

It is November 3, 1960. Marlene is back in Berlin. She is in her dressing room. Outside, the crowd chants “Go home Marlene!” and “Traitor!” Inside, the diva prepares for her first show since the war. This leads to a journey through the life of one of the greatest icons of the 20th century. An insight into madness, showbiz, memories full of nostalgia and longing. The highlight: the concert as she performed it in Berlin in 1960.

After his leading roles in musical classics and the acclaimed one-man shows, including the international hit production ‘Where are we now’ about the life and work of David Bowie, with which he toured the world, Sven Ratzke is the ideal interpreter of this character. Like no other, Ratzke knows how to switch between genders and make the work of icons his own.

‘Marlene’ is a performance about fame and mystification, offering a glimpse into the soul of a world-famous legend. Infused with beautiful music and framed by texts from top author Connie Palmen and costumes by Ian Griffiths (art director Max Mara), ‘Marlene’ balances between grand theater and an intimate one-woman show, full of biting humor and strong emotions. “Marlene” leaves no one untouched.