Baldwin and Buckley at Cambridge

The invitation had been extended by the Cambridge Union, the oldest student debating society in the world. On the one hand, one of the most important voices of the civil rights movement, on the other, the "father of modern American conservatism."


With "Baldwin and Buckley at Cambridge," "Elevator Repair Service," which was highlighted by the New York Times as one of the "few truly important theater ensembles in New York," continues its successful work with documentary materials, which it brings to the stage in clever, literal productions.


The play is a timeless, intellectual exchange about racism and society. Baldwin's biting analysis of the structural disadvantage and manifold repression of the black population in America and Buckley's incredibly timely reaction to it are brought to life here word for word.


The production ends with an imaginary conversation between Baldwin and his close friend Lorraine Hansberry, activist and author of "A Raisin in The Sun", the first play by a black author to be produced on Broadway.


ELEVATOR REPAIR SERVICE (ERS) was founded in 1991 by director John Collins. Their best known works include "Gatz", their award-winning production of the entire text of "The Great Gatsby", "The Sound and The Fury" and "Arguendo". ERS has received numerous prizes and awards, including several Lucille Lortel Awards, a Bessie Award and an Obie Award. They are visiting Berlin for the first time since 1998.


65 minutes

(IN GERMAN)