Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

BBC to Air Controversial Riefenstahl Play Amid Moral Debate

2/28/2026

48 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The play A Thing Of Beauty, by Wendy Oberman and Jonathan Lewis, portrays Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler's film director, in a fictional 1972 BBC interview and raises questions about moral responsibility.
Imogen Stubbs portrays Riefenstahl as a self-propagandist who evades ethical traps.
The production uses short scenes and live cello music.
BBC One plans to air the chat in a prime slot, while BBC Two historically relegated such figures.

1 of 1

Story summary

The play A Thing Of Beauty, by Wendy Oberman and Jonathan Lewis, portrays Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler's film director, in a fictional 1972 BBC interview and raises questions about moral responsibility.
Imogen Stubbs portrays Riefenstahl as a self-propagandist who evades ethical traps.
The production uses short scenes and live cello music.
BBC One plans to air the chat in a prime slot, while BBC Two historically relegated such figures.