Placebo to debut with original score for Royal Shakespeare Company’s Brecht production
Alt-rock band Placebo is venturing into new territory by teaming up with the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to compose the score for a fresh adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. This compelling play, penned in 1941, delves into the narrative of a Chicago mobster aiming to dominate the city’s vegetable trade through corruption, intimidation, and violence, serving as a symbolic reflection of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in the 1930s. The production will feature Mark Gatiss, best known for his roles in The League of Gentlemen and Sherlock, making his RSC debut as Arturo Ui. Scheduled to debut on April 11 at the Swan theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, this collaboration marks Placebo’s inaugural foray into the realm of theater.
Known for their blend of muscular gothic rock and occasionally provocative songwriting, Placebo achieved commercial success in the late 1990s and beyond with hits such as Nancy Boy, Pure Morning, and You Don’t Care About Us, all of which landed spots in the Top 5 singles chart. With a repertoire of eight studio albums, their latest release, Never Let Me Go, secured their highest-ever ranking on the album charts at No. 3. Expressing their enthusiasm and appreciation for the collaboration with RSC, Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal of Placebo emphasized the urgency and relevance of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in today’s context. They admitted that the creative process for this project was challenging and unfamiliar, likening it to a shot in the dark. Their approach involved delving into the outsider mentality while drawing inspiration from themes of power, alienation, and moral degradation, all prevalent in the heart of Brecht’s play.
Seán Linnen, the director of the production, commended Placebo’s score as “glitteringly expansive, darkly seductive, and deeply theatrical.” He underscored the play’s strong parallel with current political landscapes, particularly the escalating threat posed by far-right ideologies both domestically and globally. Linnen emphasized the responsibility of artists to raise their voices and address the prevailing political climate, noting the poignancy and relevance of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui in dissecting the contemporary sociopolitical milieu.
Although penned in 1941, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui was not unveiled until 1958, posthumously following Brecht’s passing. Recent adaptations of the play have showcased notable performances, including one featuring Lenny Henry in the titular role at London’s Donmar Warehouse in 2017. As Placebo ventures into uncharted waters with their theatrical debut alongside the esteemed RSC, the fusion of music and dramatic storytelling promises to offer a compelling and thought-provoking experience for audiences, resonating with themes that remain as pertinent today as they were decades ago.