This Mortal Life Also

Celebrated theologian and pacifist Dietrich Bonhoeffer is drawn into a web of lies and deceit as a double agent in World War II Germany. He struggles to live with integrity while fighting against National Socialism in a landscape of secrets, broken promises, fierce love, and dangerous alliances. Based on a true story.
Winner of the 2022 Mayor's Arts Award for Outstanding Arts Event.

Celebrated theologian and pacifist Dietrich Bonhoeffer is drawn into a web of lies and deceit as a double agent in World War II Germany. He struggles to live with integrity while fighting against National Socialism in a landscape of secrets, broken promises, fierce love, and dangerous alliances. Based on a true story.
Winner of the 2022 Mayor's Arts Award for Outstanding Arts Event.

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This Mortal Life Also

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  • Laura Lewis-Barr: This Mortal Life Also

    A powerful story of sacrifice. A story for our time. The characters are compelling and each scene is beautifully structured. I was riveted by the story and also the way Shank asks us to explore issues of faith, conscience, pacifism, and evil.

    A powerful story of sacrifice. A story for our time. The characters are compelling and each scene is beautifully structured. I was riveted by the story and also the way Shank asks us to explore issues of faith, conscience, pacifism, and evil.

  • Rhiannon Ling: This Mortal Life Also

    A poignant portrait of a complicated man. Set against a backdrop of cruelty and despair, "This Mortal Life Also" provides an exploration of morality, humanity, and identity in the face of deep crisis, all while providing a sense of love, learning, and hope for the future. A wonderful, timely piece.

    A poignant portrait of a complicated man. Set against a backdrop of cruelty and despair, "This Mortal Life Also" provides an exploration of morality, humanity, and identity in the face of deep crisis, all while providing a sense of love, learning, and hope for the future. A wonderful, timely piece.

  • Brigid Amos: This Mortal Life Also

    A fascinating, complex, and intimate portrait of the theologian as he finds himself torn between his devotion to God, country, family, and romantic love. This play is beautifully written, particularly in Bonhoeffer's direct address to God, which allows the audience insight into a great mind and a brave soul.

    A fascinating, complex, and intimate portrait of the theologian as he finds himself torn between his devotion to God, country, family, and romantic love. This play is beautifully written, particularly in Bonhoeffer's direct address to God, which allows the audience insight into a great mind and a brave soul.

DIETRICH BONHOEFFER: 33-year-old man. Joyful, but formal, often dressed in a bon vivant white, linen suit.
THEODOR HECKEL: 45-year-old man, ambitious.
GEORGE BELL: 56-year-old man. English Bishop of Chichester, trust-inspiring.
HANS VON DOHNANYI: Christel’s 37-year-old husband, abrupt and reserved.
MARIA VON WEDEMEYER: Beautiful 19-year-old woman, high-spirited.
CHRISTEL VON DOHNANYI: Dietrich’s 36-year-old sister and Hans’ wife, maternal.
SABINE BONHOEFFER: Dietrich’s 33-year-old twin sister, unaffected.

Development History

Production History

Awards

  • Clive Awards
    Fellowship for Performing Arts
    Finalist
    2024
  • Mayor’s Arts Award for Outstanding Arts Event
    Lincoln Arts Council
    Winner
    2022