Kafka's Dick by Alan Bennett - February 2004, The Dukes, Lancaster
Production photos : review : press release
First the historical background to Kafka in a nutshell - a rather weakly child, Czech writer who became famous through the efforts of his literary executor Max Brod whom Kafka had asked to burn all his works after Kafka died. Brod saw the genius and the opportunity that was open to him and instead of burning Kafka's work he proceeded to write the definitive biography and publish all of Kafka's work including his letters and diaries.
Alan Bennett explores how Kafka would have felt if he returned today.
Hilarious, witty, full of gems which you could easily miss. The Dukes' production opened with Kafka and Max discussing how the papers must be destroyed, then quickly moves to a suburban house in Leeds where Sydney, an insurance worker obsessed with Kafka lives with his wife Linda who is bored to death with their mundane lives. Max Brod rings the doorbell after urinating on their tortoise and so begins a surreal adventure. They are joined by Kafka after Linda kisses the tortoise following its washing under a tap; and later by Kafka's father.
Family relationships are explored both between Linda and he father and between Kafka and his father whilst all the time the wily max tries to conceal from Kafka the fame and recognition that has come to Kafka as a result of Max disobeying his friend's dying wishes.
This was a superb production, extremely well acted out. All the characters were realistic and credible, with lots of cringe-making moments. I really enjoyed it and recommend it without reservation.
You might think it's all over - but look out for the surprising conclusion - be surprised and delighted as I was !
Alan Chard