Mark Gatiss takes on the role of Arturo Ui in Brecht’s powerful satire
A malevolent mediocrity, Arturo Ui, a small-time Chicago gangster, is depicted in Bertolt Brecht’s satire exploring Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany. This portrayal is brought to life by actor Mark Gatiss, who continues to showcase his ability to align his projects with current cultural narratives, reports BritPanorama.
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, written in 1941 but staged posthumously in 1958, remains a potent reflection on autocracy. Its themes resonate strongly within the current global landscape of 2026, where authoritarian leaders often bypass democratic processes and neutralize opponents.
Gatiss’s performance reveals a chilling blend of servility and menace, corrupting judicial integrity before suppressing the media’s voice. Although not uttered, the phrase “fake news” lingers palpably in the narrative. As Gatiss observes, “We are those people of the 1930s who you look back on and say: ‘Why didn’t they do anything?’”
Gatiss, a versatile performer, has been contributing to significant cultural pieces for nearly thirty years. He gained prominence through his involvement in The League of Gentlemen, a dark comedy that shifted British humour into new territory at the turn of the millennium.
He then collaborated with Steven Moffat in 2010 on the BBC’s Sherlock, a series that redefined the classic detective stories for a modern audience, achieving global acclaim. Notably, Gatiss portrayed Mycroft Holmes, adding depth to the show’s dynamic.
As a writer as well as an actor, Gatiss has contributed episodes to the revived Doctor Who, all while cultivating a noteworthy stage career. His work in Three Days in the Country earned him an Olivier Award in 2016, followed by a Best Actor Olivier in 2024 for The Motive and the Cue, where he adeptly navigated the complex relationship between John Gielgud and Richard Burton during a production of Hamlet.
His latest television venture, Bookish, produced last year, reflects a yearning for simpler narratives. Set in post-war London, it explores the story of a mystery-solving bookshop owner in a “lavender marriage,” prompting discussions on historically marginalized sexual identities.
Returning to his role as Ui, Gatiss embodies Brecht’s haunting epilogue, reinforcing the idea that “the bitch that bore him [Ui/Hitler] is in heat again.” The statement echoes the urgent relevance of the play’s themes in today’s political climate.
‘The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui’ is at the RSC Swan, Stratford upon Avon until 30 May.
