I AM MY OWN WIFE

CAP – September 24
7:30- 10:15 pm
“I Am My Own Wife” + Q&A with Actor

“I Am My Own Wife” is the first play in a series that will be performed by the Resident Ensemble Players (REP) at the University of Delaware this Fall Semester. “I Am My Own Wife” tells the poignant story of the real-life German transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who survived the horrors of both Nazi invasions of WWII and the communists of the Cold War. There are more than 30 characters, or personas, in this play that were taken on by one actor- Michael Gotch.
The wardrobe doesn’t stray much from the gray dress with apron and string of pearls worn to resemble to appearance of Charlotte vonMahlsdorf. As Gotch changes characters his tone of voice and stance changes. He has been able to create a vast array of characteristics that clearly delineate one character from the next. The set is fairly simple in that it employs a large rotatable wall with doorway and threshold. Behind this central piece is a large wall sculpture, which contains hundreds of antique objects which range from a handmade vest, a bust, and a replica of a Nazi Uniform. Props are sparse, and on the stage one can view a faux phonograph, a table, chair, and a box containing pieces of miniature furniture.
Douglas Wright, the playwright, is also one of the main characters of this play. “I am my own wife” was written as a way for Douglas to muse on his meetings and interviews with Charlotte as well as portray the enigmatic and captivating character. Upon Wright’s first meeting with Charlotte as curator at her house-made-museum, he was intrigued by her collection and the enigma- that which was Ms. Von Mahldorf. As the play progresses, and with each encounter, the playwright and audience learn more and more about the unique life and experiences von Mahlsdorf had to face through the interviews conducted by Wright, which were recorded onto over 50 cassette tapes.
As the story unravels, Wright learns about von Mahlsdorf’s childhood and the hardships faced by his/her family as a result of his/her Nazi father. VonMahlsdorf recounts the story when he was discovered by his/her lesbian aunt trying on the only dress in her closet. This was the moment where vonMahlsdorf learned about transvestites and the when he learned that gender was not so defined. His Aunt remarked “isn’t it funny that I should have been born a male and you a female”. However as Wright, starts to go through vonMahlsdorf’s file, and reads into the newspapers and tabloids he learns a side of the story that does fit his enigmatic impression and esteemed perception of vonMahlsdorf. Wright becomes discouraged at the thought that the original lure of Charlotte could be spurious. However Wright thinks back to something that Charlotte had said to him in one of their taped interviews: “you must tell it like it is.” And with this Wright is given the inspiration to write “I Am My Own Wife.”
I encourage all to go see this extremely awe inspiring tale of the lovely transvestite –Charlotte vonMahlsberg. As stated by the actor, much research was done in trying the best to recreate the actual personalities – in demeanor and in stance- of the characters presented to us.