Open Fist presents world premiere adaptation of
Kafka’s Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared
LOS ANGELES (REVISED September 23, 2025) — Arriving in New York City on a steamer, 17-year-old Karl Rossmann strives to make his own way in Amerika, Kafka’s first novel. Emmy Award-winning writer Dietrich Smith directs the world premiere of his original stage adaptation, Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, for Open Fist Theatre Company. Performances run October 17 through November 22 at Atwater Village Theatre.
Franz Kafka never visited America, but it provided the setting for his first novel, Der Verschollene (The Man Who Disappeared), which was published posthumously as Amerika in 1927. This more succinct title was chosen by Kafka’s best friend and literary executor, Max Brod, who assembled the uncompleted manuscript after his death in 1924.
Ethan Remez–Cott (last seen at Open Fist as Rick Taylor in Bat Boy: The Musical) stars as young Karl, whose parents banish him from Germany to America following a family scandal. There, Karl encounters a series of increasingly strange and bewildering experiences that turn his world upside-down. Although Kafka’s novel can be read as a menacing allegory of modern life, it is infused with humor and a fleet wit.
“Amerika was the first work of Kafka’s I ever read, and I instantly fell in love with its adventurous, comedic spirit,” says Smith. “It has a youthful energy that’s unique in his canon. According to his diary, one of Kafka’s inspirations for this novel was Charles Dickens, specifically David Copperfield. I hope I’ve captured the bold Dickensian style that he so masterfully turned to his own ends. It’s a great story, and inherently theatrical. And being a tale about the trials of an immigrant, it has an ever-increasing relevance.”
A large ensemble cast takes on the host of characters Karl encounters on his uncanny, Oz-like journey, including Tambrie Allsup, Matthew Goodrich, Marc Jablon, Kelsey Kusinitz, Jeremy Reiter II, Debba Rofheart, Chima Rok, Jade Santana, Jack David Sharpe, Grace Soens and Jeremy Thompson.
Amerika features a soundscape by seven-time Academy Award-winning sound designer Gary Rydstrom (Jurassic Park, Titanic, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Saving Private Ryan), and animation sequences by John R. Dilworth (creator of Courage the Cowardly Dog).
The distinguished Open Fist team also includes scenic designer Frederica Nascimento; lighting designer Gavan Wyrick; costume designer A. Jeffrey Schoenberg; backdrop designer Elizabeth Moore; properties designer Shen Heckel; projection and sound programmer Nick Foran; and graphic designer D Morris. Amanda Weier and Derek Manson co-produce for Open Fist Theatre Company. The production stage manager is John Dimitri.
Open Fist Theatre Company is a collective, self-producing artistic enterprise with all facets of its operation run by its artist members under the leadership of artistic director Martha Demson. The company’s name combines the notion that an open spirit, embracing all people and all ideas, is essential, with the idea that determination, signified by a fist, is necessary if the theater is to remain a vital voice for social change and awareness.
Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared runs October 17 through November 22. Performances take place on Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 7 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be one additional performance, on Monday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $26 to $45.
Atwater Village Theatre is located at 3269 Casitas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90039. Parking is free is in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) parking lot one block south of the theater.
To purchase tickets and for more information call (323) 882-6912 or go to openfist.org.
Details for Calendar Listings
‘Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared’
WHAT:
Open Fist Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Amerika or, The Man Who Disappeared, adapted for the stage by Dietrich Smith from the novel by Franz Kafka. Arriving in New York City on a steamer, 17-year-old Karl Rossmann strives to make his own way, even as he encounters a series of increasingly strange and bewildering experiences that turn his world upside-down.
WHO:
• Adapted by Dietrich Smith from the novel by Franz Kafka
• Directed by Dietrich Smith
• Starring Tambrie Allsup, Matthew Goodrich, Marc Jablon, Kelsey Kusinitz, Jeremy Reiter II, Ethan Remez–Cott, Debba Rofheart, Chima Rok, Jade Santana, Jack David Sharpe, Grace Soens, Jeremy Thompson
• Produced by Amanda Weier and Derek Manson
• Presented by Open Fist Theatre Company, Martha Demson, artistic director
WHEN:
Oct. 17 through Nov. 22:
• Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays at 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 2 p.m.
• Monday at 7:30 p.m.: Oct. 20 ONLY
WHERE:
Atwater Village Theatre
3269 Casitas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90039
• FREE parking in the ATX (Atwater Crossing) lot one block south of the theater.
TICKETS:
$26-$45
HOW:
www.openfist.org
(323) 882-6912
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