
Joseph and his brothers (Joseph und seine Brüder)
based on the novel by Thomas Mann, adapted by John von Düffel
Joseph is Jacob’s favourite son and receives preferential treatment. His jealous brothers beat Joseph, throw his body into a dry well and leave him for dead. But travelling merchants find Joseph and take him to Egypt. Here they sell him as a slave to Potiphar, third in rank of the officers of Pharaoh. Joseph quickly finds favour with Potiphar -- and with Potiphar’s wife who lusts after Joseph. So when he rebuffs her advances, she exacts her revenge by claiming that Joseph raped her. Joseph is thrown in jail and once again his fate looks sealed. However he’s saved by his ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams, which foretell of seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of famine. Hailed as the provider who saved the Egyptians from starvation, Joseph becomes Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Now that he’s established himself, Joseph is finally able to acknowledge his parentage and brings his father and brothers to Egypt. But Joseph also comes to realize that his travels have made him a different person and estranged him from his family –even from his beloved father.
Inspired by the biblical story of Joseph, Thomas Mann wrote “Joseph and His Brothers” as a novel in four parts. Now John von Düffel has adapted Mann’s tetralogy for the stage. This production is the first that Alize Zandwijk --Artistic Director of the RO Theatre in Rotterdam – has ever staged in Berlin.
Inspired by the biblical story of Joseph, Thomas Mann wrote “Joseph and His Brothers” as a novel in four parts. Now John von Düffel has adapted Mann’s tetralogy for the stage. This production is the first that Alize Zandwijk --Artistic Director of the RO Theatre in Rotterdam – has ever staged in Berlin.
Part I: The story of Jaacob & Young Joseph
Part II: Joseph in Egypt
Part III: Joseph, the bread-earner
Premiere April 5, 2012
Thorsten HierseJoseph

Peter MoltzenReuben, his oldest brother

Ingo HülsmannSchimeon, the second oldest / The man
Sven FrickeLevi, the third

Christoph FrankenJuda / Laban

Natali SeeligBenjamin, the youngest / Rahel, Laban's younger daughter / Bilha, maid

Jörg PoseJaacob

Judith HofmannLea, Laban's elder daughter

Thorsten HierseJoseph / Osarsiph

Christoph FrankenThe old salesman

Jörg PosePotiphar, a confident of Pharao

Judith HofmannMut, his wife

Peter MoltzenMont-Kaw, his first servant

Natali SeeligDudu, a dwarf

Thorsten HierseJoseph

Peter MoltzenPharao / Reuben

Judith HofmannQueen mother

Jörg PoseOld Jaacob

Ingo HülsmannSchimeon
Sven FrickeLevi

Christoph FrankenJuda

Natali SeeligBenjamin

Part I: The story of Jaacob & Young Joseph
Joseph
Reuben, his oldest brother
Schimeon, the second oldest / The man
Levi, the third
Juda / Laban
Benjamin, the youngest / Rahel, Laban's younger daughter / Bilha, maid
Jaacob
Lea, Laban's elder daughter
Part II: Joseph in Egypt
Joseph / Osarsiph
The old salesman
Potiphar, a confident of Pharao
Mut, his wife
Mont-Kaw, his first servant
Dudu, a dwarf
Part III: Joseph, the bread-earner
Joseph
Pharao / Reuben
Queen mother
Old Jaacob
Schimeon
Levi
Juda
Benjamin