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 Open Fist Theatre Company presents a new stage adaptation of Kafka’s first novel.
Arriving in New York City on a steamer, 17-year-old Karl Rossmann strives to make his own way in Amerika, Kafka’s first novel. Emmy Award-winning writer Dietrich Smith directs the world premiere of his original stage adaptation, Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, for Open Fist Theatre Company. Performances run October 17 through November 22 at Atwater Village Theatre.
Franz Kafka never visited America, but it provided the setting for his first novel, Der Verschollene (The Man Who Disappeared), which was published posthumously as Amerika in 1927. This more succinct title was chosen by Kafka’s best friend and literary executor, Max Brod, who assembled the uncompleted manuscript after his death in 1924.
Banished from Germany to America following a family scandal, Karl encounters a series of increasingly strange and bewildering experiences that turn his world upside-down. Although Kafka's novel can be read as a menacing allegory of modern life, it is infused with humor and a fleet wit.
“Amerika was the first work of Kafka’s I ever read, and I instantly fell in love with its adventurous, comedic spirit,” says Smith. “It has a youthful energy that’s unique in his canon. According to his diary, one of Kafka's inspirations for this novel was Charles Dickens, specifically David Copperfield. I hope I’ve captured the bold Dickensian style that he so masterfully turned to his own ends. It’s a great story, and inherently theatrical. And being a tale about the trials of an immigrant, it has an ever-increasing relevance.”
Amerika features a soundscape by seven-time Academy Award-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom (Jurassic Park, Titanic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Saving Private Ryan), and animation sequences by John Dilworth (creator of Courage the Cowardly Dog).
Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared runs October 17 through November 22. Performances take place on Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be one additional performance, on Monday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $26 to $45.
Atwater Village Theatre is located at 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039. Parking is free is in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) parking lot one block south of the theater.
To purchase tickets and for more information call (323) 882-6912 or go to openfist.org.
Presenter / Producer: ‘Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared’
Listed Categories
Theater > Drama
Theater > Theatrical Comedy
Event Phone: 323-882-6912
Venue
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave.
Los Angeles CA 90039
Regions:
North Hollywood / Burbank / Glendale
Performance Dates: 10/17/2025 - 11/22/2025
Friday, 10/17/2025
Saturday, 10/18/2025
Sunday, 10/19/2025
Monday, 10/20/2025
Friday, 10/24/2025
Saturday, 10/25/2025
Sunday, 10/26/2025
Friday, 10/31/2025
Saturday, 11/01/2025
Sunday, 11/02/2025
Friday, 11/07/2025
Saturday, 11/08/2025
Sunday, 11/09/2025
Friday, 11/14/2025
Saturday, 11/15/2025
Sunday, 11/16/2025
Friday, 11/21/2025
Saturday, 11/22/2025
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Performance Times
• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays at 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 2 p.m.
• Monday at 7:30 p.m.: Oct. 20 ONLY
Ticket Information:
$26-$45
Web Link for ticketing
Websites:
Event Information
Social Media or other Links:
https://www.instagram.com/openfisttheatrecompany/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/openfisttheatre/
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