The Resistable Rise Of Arturo Ui

written by Bertold Brecht

10 & 11 October, 2003

Arturo, a desperate small time hoodlum in 1930’s Chicago, takes advantage of economic turmoil to seize control of The Cauliflower Trust. The drama unfolds at an unrelenting pace as corruption in the vegetable trade degenerates into all-out mockery of civilised society's most cherished values.

Filled with dark humour and layered meanings this parable of Hitler’s rise to power continues to have a special resonance today with recent productions charting parallels to current political figures. Consider this: Hitler once promised the nation increased ‘security’ against ‘terrorism’.

We wish to dedicate this performance to the memory of our dear and inspiring friend Maureen Alexander who was instrumental in making No Mean Co what it is today.

The tale of Arturo Ui

Cumbernauld News Wednesday 8 October 2003

THIS weekend catch a classic play which uses Chicago gangster days as a metaphor for the rise of Hitler.

Cumbernauld’s No mean Company are tackling a satirical play by Berthold Brecht, The Resistable Rise of Artur Ui, which retells the story of the rise of Hitler in the context of a Chicago gangster taking over the city’s greengrocery trade.

Written in 1941, the play exposes just how frighteningly easy it can be for a monstrous criminal to exploit the fears and greed of those with financial and political power in a period of instability.

It is a warning against complacency and believing that the events of the Hitler era could never be repeated.

Filled with dark humour and layered subtext, the drama unfolds with relentless pace in this classic of twentieth century theatre.

No Mean Company, Cumbernauld Theatre’s resident amateur dramatics group, have tackled this challenging production with relish and are now in the final stages of rehearsal and preparation for this weekend’s performances. Not least of the sacrifices involved in bringing this to the stage is that of lead actor Tam Sutherland, who will have his long hair transformed into a short back and sides for his portrayal of Arturo Ui.