Award-winning playwright and director Patrick Marber has recently taken on a prominent role in the theatrical landscape with his production of Mel Brooks’ musical comedy, The Producers, which has now transferred to London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre. Known for his acclaimed works such as Closer and Leopoldstadt, Marber’s latest venture comes during a time when the themes of antisemitism and social satire resonate deeply within society.
The revival of The Producers debuted shortly after the Unite the Kingdom march, highlighting the need for satirical commentary on rising far-right ideologies. Marber noted, “The film [released in 1967] was 20 years after the end of the war. I think it would have been shocking and dangerous back then.” He elaborated on how the current political climate, particularly in the United States, has rendered the material more relevant than ever. “With the rise of the ‘new right’ and actual swastikas in America – less so here, thank God – I didn’t have to do much to make it feel relevant and potent,” he stated.
Marber has embraced his Jewish identity in recent productions, humorously dubbing himself the “Jew director.” This self-description reflects how he is perceived within the industry, particularly after directing several works that explore Jewish themes, including Nachtland by Marius von Mayenburg and What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank by Nathan Englander. “I wanted to convincingly portray Max and Leo as Jews,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation in his characters, regardless of the actors’ backgrounds.
As Marber delves deeper into his Jewish heritage, he acknowledges a growing interest in his identity. “I’d have loved to have been able to walk these streets when they were Jewish and feel what that was like,” he remarked, reflecting on how his perspective has evolved over time. This introspection is partly fueled by personal reflections on mortality, as he candidly shared, “Death… the imminence; the contemplating of. And, well, thinking about where I want to be buried or cremated.”
Despite the challenges faced by the Jewish community, Marber maintains a humorous outlook on the situation. He quipped, “I think people have a right to hate Jews. I sometimes hate them. We’re really good at it, and funny about it.” His comedic approach to addressing antisemitism underscores the cultural resilience that he believes is distinctive to Jewish people.
He elaborated on how his children, who have a Jewish heritage through their father, have begun to navigate their identities in a changing social landscape. “My three sons… feel themselves to be increasingly Jewish because every now and then someone calls them a Jew in the street,” he observed, indicating that experiences of prejudice can lead to a deeper connection with one’s identity.
While Marber finds humor in the complexities of Jewish identity, he also expresses concern over the rising hostility towards Jews in contemporary society. He stated, “I grew up feeling the hatred and in a culture that wasn’t fully supportive of Jews.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing struggle for acceptance and understanding within a diverse society.
As The Producers continues its run at the Garrick Theatre, Marber’s work serves as both entertainment and commentary on the current state of societal attitudes towards Jewish identity and the importance of cultural representation. With his unique blend of humor and introspection, Patrick Marber remains a significant figure in the world of theatre, navigating the complexities of identity and artistic expression.
