Last Saturday, myself and fellow audience members eagerly took our seats in the recently refurbished Brighton Dome Corn Exchange for the first Brighton Festival Production and the eagerly anticipated world premiere of Kohlhaas. This take on Heinrich von Kleist’s novella tells the story of a 16th century German horse dealer who is tricked out of a pair of beautiful stallions by the local Baron and the lengths he will go to seek redress. An interesting choice of work, it might be thought, with which to open the festival. But what we are treated to this evening is nothing short of breathtaking.
This winding morality tale has been deftly adapted and, whilst adhering to the text’s original setting, we are encouraged – through Omar Elerian’s nuanced translation as well as his assured direction – to view the story through a contemporary lens. Stripped back, with minimal costume and props involved, this is a spoken word tale delivered solely by one performer. Fortunately for us, that performer is Arinzé Kene; an utterly masterful storyteller.
In his hands the mundanities of life in provincial Germany are rendered palpable and gripping. And when the tale steers into darker and more violent territory, his energy and physicality imbues the narrative with a measured freneticism that has the audience breathless. The show, running at close to ninety minutes straight through, is an athletic feat of endurance and Kene’s performance is mesmeric throughout, every thought considered and every word delivered with poise, clarity and bite.
The tale is an interesting one, Kafkaesque at times with the many trials that are placed before the protagonist and his futile efforts to overcome them which are ultimately frustrated. What is the loss of two horses in the grand scheme of the world’s suffering? But it’s the principle and this is a story of and about principles. The play’s themes strike a chord with a modern audience and our thoughts are directed to the darker consequences of this would-be fairytale. Its distance only makes it feel closer and we can wholly identify with the wronged 16th century horse dealer. To a point.
Kohlhaas is a gripping whirlwind of an evening. A poignant story, handled with care and delivered with flare, it winds itself about our psyche. At times uncomfortable, always unflinching, its importance is impeccably delivered. And it is the perfect choice of work with which to open Brighton Festival.
Brighton Dome Corn Exchange | Saturday 2nd May 2026
For tickets and further information click here
Photo by Helen Murray
