Secret Life of Humans - English Theatre Frankfurt

Coronavirus update: Due to restrictions limiting the size of events in Germany, it is possible this event will be cancelled or postponed. Please check with the official organiser (via link at the end).

Yuval Noah Harari’s astonishingly successful book, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, is the inspiration for this hotly anticipated new production by The English Theatre Frankfurt. Written by David Byrne and directed by Psyche Stott, Secret Life of Humans is billed as a historical mystery play and promises to be an intriguing and moving production.

English Theatre Frankfurt presents Secret Life of Humans

Harari’s book was an unexpected worldwide hit, selling more than 12 million copies. Anyone who has read it will be curious to discover how this sweeping overview of human history and anthropology translates to the stage. But this clever play, first presented at the Edinburgh Festival in 2017, is a properly theatrical piece of storytelling, and will be equally enjoyable for those who have not read Harari’s tome.

Melding fact and fiction

The story centres on fictional research scientist Ava and her fascination with Dr. Jacob Bronkowski, a scientist who became famous with his 1970s television series, Ascent of Man. When Ava discovers her latest Tinder date is Bronkowski’s grandson, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the dark secrets of Bronkowski’s career that are locked away in the scientist’s house.

As the mystery unfolds, themes from the book emerge: What are the traits that make us truly human? Beneath our apparently civilised lives, does the violence and self-interest of our past selves still lurk?

Continental Europe’s largest English-speaking theatre

Founded more than 40 years ago, The English Theatre Frankfurt has a fine reputation for its wide range of high-quality productions in the English language. Each year, it attracts more than 70,000 patrons to its modern 300-seat theatre in the heart of the city, where it presents almost 300 performances annually.

The theatre produces all its plays in house, but casts and rehearses them in London before moving to Frankfurt for the opening and run.

Get your tickets for Secret Life of Humans

The English Theatre is close to the main railway station in Frankfurt and easily accessible by public transport. Tickets and further information are available from the website of The English Theatre Frankfurt.