I Am My Own Wife

I Am My Own Wifeis a fascinating one-person play by Doug Wright about the life of Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf, an off-beat and passionate museum curator and antiquarian who lived through the Nazi era and Communist East Germany, and was an openly transgender woman.

Director Joe Hooligan Lui, perhaps better known as a lighting and sound designer, brings sensitive but strong direction to this excellent story, and is also responsible for the clever and moving sound-scape.

Actor Brendan Hanson delivers a triumphant performance, playing Charlotte with depth, integrity and complexity, but also switching seamlessly to play a myriad of other characters. Brendan has the audience captivated throughout the 90 minute play.

Cherish Marrington’s set and costume design is representational, simple and striking, with Chris Donnelly’s lighting design emotive and effective.

I Am My Own Wife has an intriguing structure, and this production tells Charlotte von Mahlsdorf’s story with passion and care. An excellent production that is well worth a look.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Daniel J Grant.