Gustav M (excerpt)

Synopsis:

It is generally accepted that Anna O. was Sigmund Freud’s most famous patient.  In point of fact, however, it was probably none other than Gustav Mahler.

Mahler, aged 50, is going through a crisis in his life, with intense fears that his wife – the striking and restless Alma, who was many years his junior – is about to leave him.

And so it is that he seeks out the assistance of Freud.

Their meeting takes place over four hours in Leyden, in a fateful walk along the river.

As a result of this session, Mahler’s attitude towards his wife – and, indeed, life in general – is transformed.  He experiences a feeling of intense joy at what he sees as the rebirth of his marriage, yet is destined never to write another note of music until his death the following year.

Gustav M sets out to explore the life of this complex, towering figure in 20th century music at a moment in history when his path crosses that of one of the true giants of that century.

Character Breakdown:

The play is a four-hander:  3 males and 1 female.

GUSTAV MAHLER  50
SIGMUND FREUD  54
ALMA MAHLER   31, GUSTAV’S wife / MARIE MAHLER   GUSTAV’S mother – one actor.
WALTER GROPIUS  27, ALMA’S lover / BERNHARD MAHLER  GUSTAV’S father / UNDERTAKER  / DEATH  / PRIEST  / OTTO  21, GUSTAV’S brother /
MAX BURCKHARD  47, Director Burgtheater – one actor.

Setting: 

Park lands, Leyden, Holland, August 26, 1910.

Throughout, we see GUSTAV and SIGMUND stroll about the park, wherein there is a park bench and an ornate lamppost.

Running-time: 110 minutes.

Production History: Not yet produced.

Excerpt available for download for free.