March 24, 2002 -- London Sunday Times

Time and place: David Soul: Boyhood in Berlin good for the Soul


I have powerful memories of our house in Berlin, which we moved to in 1949
when I was six, because of all the people I met there.

My father was working for the US commission in Berlin as a religious adviser
before he became the senior representative for the Lutheran World
Federation. We lived in the American sector of the west zone, where the US
State Department housed various military and civilian personnel. The
neighbourhood was interesting because there were more houses there untouched
by the war than in other areas. Yet right across the street were three
houses in a row that had been obliterated and the house next door was empty
because it had suffered some damage. It is ironic that out of a pile of
rubble was a young boy’s playground.

Our home was the most lavish place we had ever lived in. Built, I imagine,
in the late 1920s, it had a sweeping front and large back garden. I liked
the big living room, which had a hearth fireplace.

I don’t remember the decor much, aside from cream walls and the fact it was
very light and had parquet floors. There were possibly four bedrooms,
including my room, which opened out on to a wrought-iron balcony overlooking
the garden.

What gave the house its character was not all the dimensions, it was the
people who passed through it.

At the time, Berlin was a political and military island. My dad was one of
the few American representatives who were allowed fairly free access to the
east. He administered to the needs of the church communities in the east who
were trying to rebuild their communities and parishes.Dad worked hard to
find out what was needed, spiritually and practically.

Hundreds of people came to our door looking for help. My parents were
wonderfully warm, gentle and helpful. My mother would satisfy their
stomachs, while Dad would satisfy their deep concerns.

While my parents were busy with the adults, I looked after the kids and gave
them gifts of tiny mesh bags, which I filled with crayons, paper and
oranges.

It was a unique way to grow up — to come to a place that had been destroyed.
I had lots of questions and remember asking Dad, "Why has this happened?
Where are these people going to go now?" I don’t look back on that time as
my parents serving others because the reciprocation was so incredible. These
visitors gave us their stories, music and art. For instance, a drama troupe
staged a play in our living room, musicians performed concerts, singers
taught us their songs.

We often shared meals with our guests, who started off being demure, but
then the singing began and it became a warm, loving experience.

The city of Berlin was one of the most exciting places I have ever been to
as the people had to rise above the rubble. All the things that were vital
about it were also alive in our home.

We left the house after two years, and went back to the States briefly. Dad
had a sabbatical before returning with the Lutheran World Federation.

I didn’t have any real feelings on leaving the house because it was one of
those places that I have never left. You could say the significance of life
is to be involved in the lives of other people. If there is anything I want
to do, it is to do what my dad did.

Yes, your home is your castle, but it is also your identity and your
possibility to be open to others.

David Soul stars in Deathtrap, touring the UK until June. Tour information:
020 7323 2355.
Interview by Louise Johncox
March 24, 2002