Jjana Valentiner as The Frau in ‘Amazons and Their Men.’ Photo by Melissa Blackall.

One of the most talented filmmakers of the 20th century made her reputation supporting one of the most horrific governments to exist during that period. That dichotomy has always been the guilt-ridden asterisk next to the name of Leni Riefenstahl in the estimation of film fans, critics, and scholars. She was a magnificent innovator and master of the camera, but one feels a little dirty heaping praise on someone who used those talents to support the Nazis.

At the very least, the director was a masterful opportunist, which was really absolutely vital for a female director of her era. It’s this aspect of Riefenstahl’s personality, her fierce drive to succeed whatever the cost, that is the subject of Jordan Harrison’s clever, fascinating, yet somewhat problematic Amazons and Their Men, currently being produced by Forum Theater, in residence at Round House Silver Spring.

Harrison’s text doesn’t mention Riefenstahl by name, though it’s no secret where the inspiration for the drama lies: the program notes, and the author’s own historical note on the text, talk openly about the real-world basis of the play. Leaving her unnamed and calling her “The Frau” gives Harrison license to adapt her story to a more general statement on the artist’s creative struggle.