Production photos released of Tilda Swinton in MAN TO MAN

Inspired by a true story, German dramatist Manfred Karge's powerful, poetic play is a searing study of resilience and survival during wartime against the backdrop of Nazi rule. In 1930s Germany, Ella Gericke dons her late husband Max's clothes and adopts his identity and job in order to survive. As the world around her changes, Ella endures dictatorship, hunger, and humiliation as she desperately fights to stay alive.

Tilda Swinton (We Need to Talk About Kevin, Orlando) originated the role of Ella in the 1988 premiere of this one-woman-play. Now she's set to reprise her career-defining role in a landmark revival of Man to Man at the Royal Court Theatre in 2026. Stephen Unwin (The Conquest of the South Pole) directs this searing revival of Karge's devastating play translated by Anthony Vivis, with design by Bunny Christie (People, Places and Things).

Man to Man is performed as part of the Royal Court Theatre’s 70th anniversary season, with the production due to transfer to the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, which originally produced the UK premiere before it transferred to the Royal Court Theatre in 1988. From Edinburgh, it will embark on a global tour, including a run at the Berliner Ensemble, Manfred Karge’s artistic home, concluding its season in New York in spring 2027.

Man to Man is playing at the Royal Court Theatre until 24 October 2026.

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