Leo Marks and Ann Noble in CREVASSE – Photo by Matt Kamimura

In July, August, and September 2024, a Los Angeles city-wide festival called “Reflections on Art and Democracy” has been designed to raise awareness about the current rise of fascism and anti-Semitism in the U.S. and around the world, the power of art and design to resist them, and the confluence of visual and performative artworks to promote democracy. In response to these goals, the Victory Theatre Center and Son of Semele have risen to the call jointly and present the world premiere of CREVASSE, written by Tom Jacobson and inspired by true events.

Ann Noble and Leo Marks – Photo by Matt Kamimura

The time is 1938, and the place is Berlin (briefly) and Hollywood. German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (Ann Noble) has big plans for her award-winning film “Olympia.” She will journey to Hollywood, where she will meet with every major film studio head in order to secure American distribution for the movie. At the same time, she may pick up some tips to help make her movies more effective. But a significant problem develops almost overnight. To quote director Matthew McCray, “In November 1938 there was a public outcry about Germany…this was just after Kristallnacht, years before the U.S. officially entered the war.” When Riefenstahl arrives in Hollywood, every studio head (all Jewish) refuses to see her. Only one filmmaker, a non-Jew, will meet with her, the reigning King of Cartoons, Walt Disney (Leo Marks). Their meeting in December 1938 is the crux of the play: “The comparison between the work and ideals of filmmakers Disney and Riefenstahl provide a compelling examination of business and power through film (McCray).” Casually practical Disney and sensual, seductive – and manipulative – Riefenstahl make a striking pair of brilliant gamers, each trying to outwit the other. When money, power, and ethics collide, who will come out the winner?

Ann Noble and Leo Marks – Photo by Matt Kamimura

McCray helms the production with finesse and a keen eye to the philosophical issues involved. At the same time, he makes sure that the many verbal discussions contain enough action to keep the audience involved in the gripping tale. Uber-talented stars Marks and Noble breathe life into their roles – which include appearances by Joseph Goebbels and Ernst Jaeger (Marks) and Lotte Jaeger and Lorelei (Noble). For the most part, author Jacobson wisely keeps to the documented facts (which, in themselves, often don’t seem possible) – and even includes a 1948 letter about Riefenstahl written by Ernst Jaeger ten years after the fateful meeting.

Leo Marks and Ann Noble – Photo by Matt Kamimura

Kudos to Evan Bartoletti’s scenic design, fluid and enticing at the same time. Michael Mullen’s costumes, Azra King-Abadi’s lighting, John Zalewski’s sound, and Nicholas Santiago’s projections play a key role in making scene and time switches effortless. CREVASSE is a provocative and intriguing story about real people in real situations which frequently seem fictional because they appear, on the surface, so far-fetched. CREVASSE is a beautifully crafted and handsomely presented intimate play which will delight and entertain audiences while posing many complex and thought-provoking questions.

Leo Marks and Ann Noble – Photo by Matt Kamimura

CREVASSE runs through August 18, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Victory Theatre Centre is located at 3326 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Tickets ranged from $32 to $40 (groups, students, seniors, and union members $25). For information and reservations, call 818-841-5421 or go online.