Kafka’s Dick March 20th

This production marked the first major play to be directed by the Hayling Island Amateur Dramatic Society’s Maureen Ogilvie.

With a cast of six, one of whom had to step in at almost the last minute, this was written by Alan Bennett in 1986 and was very well acted, with the cast working very well together.

The play revolves around Franz Kafka’s insecurity and moves from comedy to pathos and back again.

It is set in the present-day when Kafka fan Sydney, and his wife Linda, are visited by Franz and his friend Max Brod who are both long dead. Kafka had left instructions for all his works to be burned – instructions which Brod chose to ignore.

As time is spent with the unusual party, it becomes clear that Kafka’s wish was for anonymity – and also that he had serious issues with his father.