The Lehman Trilogy

Written by Stefano Massini, adapted by Ben Power
Awards:

  • Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best New Play (2019)

Synopsis
The Lehman Trilogy chronicles the rise and fall of the Lehman Brothers, one of the most influential financial institutions in American history. Spanning over 150 years, the play begins with the arrival of the Lehman brothers—Henry, Emanuel, and Mayer—in 1840s America and traces their journey from a modest fabric business to their dominance in the global financial sector. The story culminates in the firm’s dramatic collapse in 2008, which triggered the global financial crisis. Told through a sweeping narrative and performed by just three actors, the play is a riveting exploration of ambition, legacy, and capitalism.

Themes and Analysis

  • Ambition and the American Dream: The play examines the brothers’ pursuit of success, reflecting the ideals and pitfalls of the American Dream.

  • Family and Legacy: It delves into the complexities of family dynamics and how the brothers’ relationships shaped their business empire.

  • Capitalism and Greed: The Lehman Trilogy critiques the unsustainable practices of modern capitalism, showing how greed ultimately led to the firm’s downfall.

  • Time and Transformation: The play’s structure spans generations, highlighting the evolution of business, society, and values over time.

Key Moments

  • The Brothers’ Arrival in America: The play opens with the Lehman brothers stepping off the boat in New York, brimming with hope and determination.

  • The Expansion of the Business: From textiles to commodities, the brothers’ gradual diversification of their business highlights their entrepreneurial spirit.

  • The Collapse of Lehman Brothers: The play’s climax underscores the devastating impact of their firm’s implosion on the global economy.

  • Moments of Reflection: Throughout the play, moments of poetic monologue offer insight into the characters’ inner thoughts and the larger forces at play.

Critical Reception
The Lehman Trilogy received universal acclaim for its ambitious storytelling, dynamic performances, and innovative staging. Critics praised its ability to make an epic historical narrative feel intimate and human.

The Financial Times described it as “a masterwork,” while The New York Times called it “a genuinely epic production that’s as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.”

Why It Resonates Today
The play’s exploration of capitalism, ambition, and greed resonates in a world still grappling with the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Its intimate portrayal of the Lehman brothers’ journey offers a deeply human lens through which to view global economic forces.

Fun Facts

  • The original production was directed by Sam Mendes and featured Simon Russell Beale, Adam Godley, and Ben Miles playing all roles.

  • The minimalist set design, featuring a rotating glass cube, was praised for its versatility and visual impact.

  • The Lehman Trilogy was first performed in Italian in Milan before being adapted for English-speaking audiences.