The Lehman Trilogy

The Lehman Trilogy. An epic dramatic work that chronicles the 164-year history of the Lehman Brothers financial empire, from its founding by Bavarian Jewish immigrants to its cataclysmic bankruptcy in 2008. Originally written in Italian by Stefano Massini, it was adapted into English by Ben Power and is renowned for its innovative staging, often featuring a small cast of three actors portraying dozens of roles across generations. The play examines the evolution of American capitalism, the American Dream, and the cultural shifts within a single powerful dynasty.

Background and development

The work originated from a nine-hour radio play written by Italian playwright Stefano Massini, inspired by the real-life collapse of the investment bank Lehman Brothers during the financial crisis of 2007–2008. Massini conducted extensive research into the Lehman family archives and the broader history of finance in the United States. The project was developed at Milan's Piccolo Teatro, where director Luca Ronconi first staged the Italian version. For the English-speaking stage, the National Theatre commissioned adapter Ben Power and director Sam Mendes to create a condensed, three-act version. The creative team, including set designer Es Devlin, aimed to use a minimalist, revolving glass office set to evoke the passage of time and the insular world of high finance.

Plot summary

The narrative is divided into three parts, each focusing on a generation of the Lehman dynasty. Part one, "Three Brothers," begins in 1844 with the arrival of Henry Lehman in New York City, followed by his brothers Emanuel Lehman and Mayer Lehman; they establish a modest fabric and clothing shop in Montgomery, Alabama, which evolves into a commodities trading business. Part two, "Fathers and Sons," sees the brothers' descendants, including Philip Lehman and Robert Lehman, shift the firm's focus from Southern cotton to Wall Street, embracing stockbroking, underwriting, and investment banking during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. The final part, "The Immortal," follows the firm's transformation under non-family CEOs like Pete Peterson and Dick Fuld, detailing its ventures into leveraged buyouts, mortgage-backed securities, and the subprime mortgage crisis that led to its infamous Chapter 11 filing.

Productions

The Italian premiere, directed by Luca Ronconi, opened at the Piccolo Teatro in Milan in July 2015. The English-language adaptation, directed by Sam Mendes, premiered at the National Theatre's Lyttelton Theatre in July 2018, starring Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley, and Ben Miles; this production later transferred to the Park Avenue Armory in New York City and then to the West End's Noël Coward Theatre. A Broadway production opened at the Nederlander Theatre in March 2020 but was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic; it resumed in October 2021, winning critical acclaim. International productions have been staged in countries including France, Germany, and Japan.

Critical reception

The production has been widely praised by critics for its ambitious scope, inventive storytelling, and powerful performances. Reviewers from The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Telegraph highlighted the virtuosity of the small cast and the compelling direction by Sam Mendes. The play's examination of capitalism and immigration has been described as both a intimate family saga and a sweeping historical analysis. Some commentators, including writers for The Financial Times, noted the dramatic irony in portraying the firm's relentless pursuit of profit alongside its eventual demise. The minimalist staging by Es Devlin and video design by Luke Halls received particular acclaim for enhancing the epic narrative.

Awards and nominations

The production has received numerous prestigious awards. In London's West End, it won the 2019 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play. On Broadway, it was honored with five 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Play, Best Actor in a Play for Simon Russell Beale, Best Direction of a Play for Sam Mendes, and Best Scenic Design for Es Devlin. It also received the 2022 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play and several Outer Critics Circle Awards. The original Italian text by Stefano Massini has been recognized with literary prizes in Europe, solidifying its status as a significant modern work of theatre.

Category:2015 plays Category:Plays about finance Category:National Theatre (London) productions