Gustav

David Stephens is a writer, performer and storyteller from Worthing. David trained professionally at ArtsEd London and his work has included T.I.E., short film, BBC Radio, The Globe Theatre & The Almeida Theatre.

David works with Sussex theatre companies across Sussex as a performer and director and is a regular performer with Drip Action Theatre Company at the Arundel Festival.

In 2014 he co-directed and performed in The Worthing Community Play "The Just Cause" - with over 200 people.

In 2015 David wrote and performed his first one man show - 'Pulling up the Drawbridge', under the tutelage and direction of Jonathan Brown.

In May 2016 David played Sussex writer Hillaire Belloc's songs and poems in Shipley (Belloc's home) with violinist Andrew Barnardi and members of Belloc's family.

David also works in care homes with people with dementia and runs story-making sessions with pre school children at Woodstock Nursery, Worthing, to turn their own stories into performance pieces.

"What am I supposed to do!? She’s probably already dead! Alright. What’s the point. We just have to go on. Don’t we?

Don’t we?"

"What is down here? I said... “Oh...nothing of interest, Fraulein, I can assure you. Just a lot of barking dogs. But in here, something far kinder to the ears.” or so I thought as I steered her into the Jazz bar. I say jazz, but some buffoon had decided an improptu Brecht recital was more important. Yes please, the bread. And the butter… why not. I said , “Of course I like Brecht, who doesn’t?”

I lied. I don’t know one of his poems… Are there any more potatoes?"

"She is not blind, Martha. She has eyes. I mean… Look, at Central Frankfurt. How many stupid flags can you fit into one square. It’s like one great testimony to the forgetfulness of the Nazi party, like if they didn’t see a flag every 5 fucking metres, ......
Sorry, Martha…. Every 5 metres, they would forget to spit.... at Jews."

Gustav is a Jewish actor living in Frankfurt.

He is successful, enjoys the high life, enjoys his food, his wine, and good company.

He has a high opinion of himself, enjoys women but is perhaps secretly in love with Hilda. Just a little.

He secretly wishes for the closeness and community he experiences when he visits his good friend Sol's home; the closeness of Sol's relationship with Hilda; the family connection at Martha's home; the affection that he is held with by Anya,.

All these have a strong allure for him.

But he is too busy partying, & enjoying his hedonistic lifestyle that he finds it hard to give it all up, and commit to something...deeper. More meaningful.

He speaks passionately about the Nazis, enjoying berating them behind closed doors.

But when it comes to the crunch, he is as afraid as anyone.

He does his best to help those around him that he loves, but his impotence is there for all to see.

For him it's a simple choice between survival and dignity, survival and being true to himself.

He makes... a decision.