Writer Gil Kofman stops by on Close-Up Culture to tell us about his show, Leni’s Last Lament.
Hi! First things first, how are you?
Great, thank you. Prepping for the Fringe, a million small things, plus some big ones. Brimming with keen anticipation to see how audience’s react to this material and production.
In your own words, can you describe for us what your show is about?
Leni’s Last Lament is a historical satire, comedy, cabaret that explores the life of Leni Riefenstahl, who was Hitler’s notorious filmmaker. Gifted with incredible talent that was only outmatched by her ego and ambition, Leni was willing to overlook the Nazi horror so long as she could make her films. Sadly, she helped brand and popularize the nascent Nazi regime with her infamous ‘ Triumph of the Will’ documentary, still studied at film school today. Leni lived to be 101 years old, and her life was replete with adventures and experiments, but never any apologies. She insisted she was blithely making art, and not responsible for the Fascism it supported. Throughout the play, her ostentatious denials are continually subverted by her ego, as she keeps putting her foot in her mouth, saying absurd things like – “You would have loved Hitler in his day…before the power got to his head.” Equally absurd as it is trenchant, the play offers a fabulous portrait of one of the greatest and earliest female filmmakers.
And if you were to condense that into three words, what would they be?
Insightful, provocative, funny.
What has preparation for the Fringe looked like for you so far?
Hectic. Promotional materials, arranging flights, accommodations. But everyone’s been super helpful and outgoing. Can’t wait.
What do you want audiences to take away from seeing your show?
The show is as much a character study we can all relate to, as it is an historical piece. The melding of the two is what makes the show singular and memorable. I’d love for audiences to recognize glimmers of themselves in it, and reflect on how those elements are active and alive today. It’s also a very funny a nd witty show, with some song and dance to leaven the mood. We are very excited to see audience’s reaction to it.
How did you come up with the concept of your performance?
I had collaborated with Richard Caliban (Director) and actress (Jodie Markell) before, and wanted to join forces with them again. The play – about blind self – delusion to excuse horrid ambition – is super timely in an age when falsehoods are paving over truth to shape their own reality. Also, politically, the Fascism of the past is making incursions on the present, and I thought this play would address that in a comical but trenchant manner.
Where can people catch your show this summer?
Assembly – Drawing Room 01-25 Aug 17:25.
And where can people follow your work?
We will be premiering a new play called DICKHEAD (same team) in NY this September at the venerable Theater for the New City. Other work can be seen on Amazon and other streaming platforms. Three previous features played at the Cambridge film festival.
Finally, what would be your dream venue or theatre to perform at?
London. Soho Theatre, Royal Court.
SHOW LINK: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/550-lenis-last-lament
TWITTER / X ACCOUNT: https://twitter.com/LastLeni2024
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: https://www.instagram.com/lenislastlament/