Stubbs on Riefenstahl: Art, Propaganda, and Looking Away

Actress Imogen Stubbs is embodying Leni Riefenstahl in Wendy Oberman's new play, "A Thing of Beauty," staged at London's Tabard Theatre. The production, directed by Jonathan Guy Lewis, probes Riefenstahl's artistic legacy, particularly her propaganda films for Adolf Hitler, and her subsequent defense. Inspired by a 1972 BBC interview, the play scrutinizes Riefenstahl's claim of not knowing the atrocities that followed, posing questions about her complicity and the long-term consequences of her choices. Stubbs, 65, acknowledges the complexity, noting Riefenstahl wasn't directly responsible but "looked away." The play also touches upon Riefenstahl's post-war struggles, including her "fellow traveler" classification and subsequent libel cases, despite being blacklisted by the industry until her death in 2003 at age 101. Stubbs draws parallels to modern controversies, highlighting the importance of apologies and the potential for charismatic leaders to offer false hope during national crises. Previously a rising star, Stubbs reflects on her own career trajectory, her personal life, including her marriage to Trevor Nunn, and her current contentment with a less overtly ambitious path. "A Thing of Beauty" runs until March 6.