Top Event
From 9 to 14 February 2027, the Berliner Ensemble will stage eight performances of Manfred Karge’s *Man to Man (Jacke wie Hose)* at the Großes Haus, in a co-production with the Royal Court Theatre, London, and Brian & Dayna Lee, featuring Tilda Swinton in a solo performance.
Image gallery
TILDA SWINTON IN "MAN TO MAN"
TILDA SWINTON IN "MAN TO MAN"
TILDA SWINTON IN "MAN TO MAN"
TILDA SWINTON IN “MAN TO MAN”
In 1930s Germany, a woman puts on her late husband’s trousers and never takes them off again. As the world around her changes, she endures war and dictatorship, hunger and humiliation – whilst constantly fighting for survival.
Almost 40 years after she first brought this role to life, Tilda Swinton (“We Need to Talk About Kevin”, “Orlando”) returns to the stage as Ella/Max in Manfred Karges’ “Man to Man” – reprising the role she first played at the acclaimed British premiere in 1988 at the Traverse Theatre and the Royal Court.
Translated from the German by Anthony Vivis and adapted by Stephen Unwin, the production once again brings together members of the original creative team, including director Stephen Unwin, set designer Bunny Christie and lighting designer Ben Ormerod.
Performed in English with German surtitles
Running time: approx. 1 hour 25 minutes
Following its run at the Berliner Ensemble, ‘Man to Man’ will conclude its tour in New York in spring 2027.
Ticket lottery
Tickets will be allocated via a ticket lottery on the Berliner Ensemble app from 23 November 2026.
This is intended to give as many people as possible the chance to see the production.
To take part in the lottery, a free registration period will run in the app from 5 to 22 November 2026.
Following this, from 23 to 27 November 2026, all available tickets will be allocated at random amongst registered applicants.
Ticket lottery on the Berliner Ensemble app
- 5–22 November 2026: Registration period
- 23–27 November 2026: Prize draw
"MAN TO MAN"
- by Manfred Karge, translated into English by Antony Vivis
- Directed and adapted by Stephen Unwin
- Starring: Tilda Swinton
- Set design: Bunny Christie
- Lighting design: Ben Ormerod
- Sound design: Elena Peña
- Video design: Matt Powell
- Movement direction: Kane Husbands
- Props: Lily Mollgaard
- Voice: Hazel Holder
- Assistant Director: Eleanor Burke
- Set design assistant: Verity Sadler
- A co-production by the Royal Court Theatre, the Berliner Ensemble and Brian & Dayna Lee.
Additional information
Dates
February 2027
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