Review: AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED at Echo Theatre Company

The MVP of the show is the dynamic Oqalile Tshetshe, who has a star-making role that he inhabits with complexity, depth, and grace.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, shimmering theater program or ticket stub, the material capturing the high-contrast lighting and glamorous aesthetic of the entertainment industry in an abstract, conceptual manner.The lavish textures and dramatic lighting of the theater experience take center stage in this abstract image, mirroring the sophisticated yet unsettling themes of Kafka's classic work.Los Angeles Today

The Echo Theatre Company's production of AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED, an adaptation of Franz Kafka's unfinished novel, has received praise for its talented ensemble cast, particularly the standout performance of Oqalile Tshetshe in the lead role of Karl Rossmann. The three-hour stage show follows the misadventures of the 17-year-old German immigrant as he tries to find his way in early 20th century America, with the director, Dietrich Smith, keeping the action moving at a brisk pace.

Why it matters

While AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED is not as unconventional as some of Kafka's other works, the picaresque story still maintains the author's signature surreal and bizarre elements. The production's relevance is heightened by the continued struggles faced by immigrants, making the show's themes of abuse and exploitation feel just as timely today as when the novel was written over a century ago.

The details

The production features impressive technical elements, including charming animated vignettes, moody lighting, and sound design by seven-time Academy Award winner Gary Rydstrom. The set design by Frederica Nascimento and costumes by A. Jeffrey Schoenberg also help bring the various worlds of the story to life. The ensemble cast is praised for their strong performances, with Pat Towne, Jack Sharpe, and Grace Soens all delivering memorable turns. However, the true standout is Oqalile Tshetshe in the lead role of Karl Rossmann, who inhabits the character with complexity, depth, and grace.

  • The production of AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED is playing at the Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles through May 3, 2026.

The players

Oqalile Tshetshe

The lead actor who plays the role of Karl Rossmann, the 17-year-old German immigrant at the center of the story. Tshetshe's performance has been praised as a star-making turn, with the review noting he inhabits the complex character with depth and grace.

Dietrich Smith

The director who has adapted Franz Kafka's unfinished novel AMERIKA into a three-hour stage production for the Echo Theatre Company.

Echo Theatre Company

The Los Angeles-based theatre company producing the stage adaptation of AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The production of AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED is scheduled to run at the Atwater Village Theatre in Los Angeles through May 3, 2026.

The takeaway

AMERIKA OR, THE MAN WHO DISAPPEARED, while not as unconventional as some of Kafka's other works, still maintains the author's signature surreal and bizarre elements. The production's relevance is heightened by the continued struggles faced by immigrants, making the show's themes of abuse and exploitation feel just as timely today as when the novel was written over a century ago. The standout performance of Oqalile Tshetshe in the lead role has been praised as a star-making turn.