Charlie Chaplin’s play was prepared for the Kokkola City Theatre for more than two years. Chaplin’s estate had specific requirements for the City Theatre, including the cast.
The story has been staged once before in Germany, when the *Berliner Ensemble* performed it in the autumn of 1997.
In spring 2022, Chaplin’s estate granted the Kokkola City Theatre the rights to produce a stage version of the 1947 film.
“Honouring Chaplin”
Active preparation for the project took a year.
From Kokkola, at least the play’s script, photos of the lead actor, marketing material, set and costumes were sent to Chaplin’s estate in Switzerland.
– The answer came just a few days after our huge navel had left, says Luukkonen.
*Listen as director Juha Luukkonen talks about making Ritari Sinibarra in Kokkola. The reporter is Kaje Komulainen:*
The performance rights had a few specific requirements.
– Monsieur Verdoux was to be played by a man and his victims by a woman. In addition, the number of minutes of use of the original film’s soundtrack was defined. The image and logo of *Roi Export Company* must appear in the marketing material.
The estate accepted everything that was sent there.
– They were of the opinion that this is excellent in spirit and respectful of Chaplin, Luukkonen states.
Chaplin’s first without a tramp
*Ritari Sinibarta* or in English *M–onsieur Verdoux* is one of the most important films in Chaplin’s career.
It was Chaplin’s first film without the legendary Tramp character.
In 1948, *Knight Bluebeard* was also nominated for an Oscar for best screenplay. The film has been considered one of Chaplin’s best works, among other things, because of its strong social message.
– *Knight Bluebeard* is a description of the destructive power of cynicism and bitterness and the violence born of despair. In addition, the criticism of excessive capitalism shines in the play, Luukkonen reflects.
Starring Juha Lagström
– It has been a learning experience and a challenge, says Lagström.
In Lagström’s opinion, Ritari Sinibeard is a delicious role, because it allows you to act in so many different genres.
– The main character has many different roles. He works with his family in a completely different way than women do, says Lagström.
In Lagström’s opinion, the multi-layered nature of the lead actor is fascinating. In real life it would be impossible to act like Monsieur Verdoux.
– Or how do you know that. If a person is squeezed really tight, then he might be able to do extreme things when defending himself and his family.
The themes of the play are dark. Its genre is black comedy and emphasizes the importance of respect and acceptance of difference. The aim is to find the light of hope in a hopeless future.
The stage sets have been invested in
In Kokkola, the performance stage of the city theater is built to rotate. It is easy to change place and time.
Digitality is included in the stock exchange rates projected on the walls. Fire and light can also be found in different forms.
– I like that the theater group has challenges. That’s why you always have to raise the bar a little higher, says director Juha Luukkonen.
*The subject can be discussed until Sunday, November 20 at 11 p.m.*