Dietrich Smith Wraps Up Franz Kafka’s ‘Amerika’
Theatrical Revisit to Kafka: “Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared” Returns
The Atwater Village Theatre is set to present a renewed interpretation of “Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared,” directed by Dietrich Smith. Following a successful nine-performance run last autumn, Smith expressed a sense of unfinished business with the adaptation of Franz Kafka’s novel. Smith not only directed the production but also crafted a new ending for the story of 16-year-old immigrant Karl Rossmann, a narrative Kafka left incomplete between 1911 and 1914.
“I read the reviews of the play, and the reviewers were confused, and I agreed with them,” Smith remarked. “It was not all there, and now the play—and the ending—are all there. I’m glad we get to present ‘Amerika’ again.” He expressed gratitude to the donors who supported the project’s revival, noting that additional time allowed for greater development of the performance. “If it doesn’t work now, I can’t blame anyone.”
The updated version of “Amerika” will run through May 3 at the same venue. Smith acknowledged Kafka’s abrupt halt in writing the novel, stating, “Kafka clearly hit a wall. It’s a shame.” Originally published posthumously in 1927, the novel echoes the immigrant experience, inspired by Kafka’s own relatives who emigrated to the United States.
Rossmann, the protagonist, embarks on a journey to New York City to escape scandal after an unintended pregnancy, with his adventures unfolding on a transatlantic voyage and in a nation he never visited. “For a book that was written 114 years ago, it’s remarkably relevant to where we now stand,” Smith commented. “When you look at what immigrants went through over a century ago in America and what immigrants are going through now, it’s astonishing.”
Regarding his creative challenge, Smith reflected on Kafka’s dissatisfaction with his work. “It’s interesting since Kafka was so dissatisfied with his own book that he didn’t finish it or know how to get out of it. But I wanted to finish it.” He pondered how Kafka might react to his adaptation, suggesting he might appreciate Smith’s effort—or question his approach.
Although Kafka was never able to complete “Amerika,” he did express pride in the unfinished chapter, “The Nature Theatre of Oklahoma.” His friend and biographer Max Brod noted Kafka’s enthusiasm when he read excerpts aloud. “Kafka was really onto something,” Smith stated.
The production features a talented crew, including John R. Dilworth, creator of "Courage the Cowardly Dog," who designed the animation sequences, and seven-time Academy Award winner Gary Rydstrom, known for his sound design on films like “Jurassic Park” and “Titanic.”
The cast has seen nearly half its members change since the fall, including the lead role now played by Oqalile Tsheshe. Smith acknowledged the evolution of the cast, explaining, “We elevated the understudy, and he’s a magnificent actor.” This version of the play will feature 18 performances, double the original run.
Smith embraces the opportunity to offer a conclusive ending to “Amerika”—a luxury Kafka never pursued. “Kafka is such a concise writer. He and I are opposites. I’m a verbose writer. It’s fascinating doing something like this with Kafka. When you take on something like this, you think, ‘Who am I to try to write an ending to Kafka’s ‘Amerika?’”
“Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared” will be performed from April 6 through May 3, 2023, with shows scheduled on Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., along with an additional performance on Monday, April 6.
Production Details:
When: April 6 through May 3; 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, and Monday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles
Cost: Tickets are priced at $26 and $45.
Info: 323-544-1929
