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1936 - A play about the Olympics written by Tom McNab directed by Jenny Lee designed by Kevin Jenkins lighting by Howard Hudson >>Go to reviews

A thrilling take on the events that led to the Olympics in Berlin in 1936.

The stakes were high, the game played out on the world stage.
In 1933 Hitler's position in Germany was precarious. Hosting the Games would provide valuable propaganda for the Nazis and strengthen his hold on power. But the German Jews were under threat, America was uneasy, the International Olympic Committee desperately out of touch.
Hitler's treatment of Jewish athletes was clearly unacceptable. Should there be a boycott - would it destroy the Olympic movement, who would lose their positions, who would gain? It all rested on a few influential men...

It was a battle of ethics versus greed.

Then there were the athletes, among them Jesse Owens - would they sacrifice Olympic success for an ideal?

The extraordinary power politics prior to The Second World War are played out by a nine actor cast, portraying the people whose decisions could have changed history.

'A multi-faceted piece of drama.. outstanding debut.. the acting is universally impressive' McNab's piece consistently makes us think outside the timeframe of what he depicts. We are prompted to consider the many instances in which the Olympics have taken on a political dimension, from the civil rights 'Black Power' salute on the podium of Mexico 1968 to the human rights protests outside the Beijing Bird's Nest.
Jeremy Malies, Plays International

The play is followed by a discussion led by Olympic coach and best-selling author Tom McNab with eminent sports personalities on the panel.

Click below to see play in development. You will need the Apple Quicktime player.

Reviews: What's on stage **** / Financial Times *** / Londonist

Please download the full list of Cast and Production team from the 2010 production.