Broadwater Main Stage Running till November
Reviewed by ODALYS NANIN
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Thirty scenes, four talented actors playing multiple parts, videos of 1930’s Berlin projected against four panels, a large desk that turns into a train, a car, an attic all flawlessly choreographed and directed with precision by the genius artistic vision of Darin Anthony!
The riveting epic story of the Goldman’s family escaping from antisemitism starts in Poland ending up in Berlin after WW I and without warning the cycle commences again when the Nazis take over in 1934!
The talented actors that bring this story to live are Derek Mason as Albert Goldman the elder bother who loves Berlin’s nightlife, Casey J. Adler who plays Walter Goldman younger hard working brother as well as the German officer, consul Official and Rabbi Stern, Warren Davis plays the conservative father Herman Goldman as well as Hans, Sol Goldman (who’s gay) and Max.
Dana Schwartz shines in all the female roles ranging from the matriarch mother Sara Goldman, Trudy, Lena and Bella a dancer in a Berlin club. These four actors create the remarkable ensemble that brings our story to live as their struggles to escape unfold before our very eyes. It’s palpable in the very moment and surreal when we realize that we are living during a time where present immigrants are facing similar struggles.
“The term ‘Paper Walls’ is used by holocaust survivors when they talk about the restrictive US immigration policies, quotas, and bureaucratic delays that kept many European Jews from entering the country.” Derek Mason gives a stellar performance as Albert the older brother who drives this story. Albert never gives up navigating the immigration laws to bring his family to safety in America.
The versatile set designed by Justin Huen is enhanced by video projections created by Ben Rock. The continual video projections create the immersive world of these characters thus making the experience more palpable. The Light design by Nita Mendoza creates the mood of each scene which is magnified by the sound design of Marc Antonio Pritchett. The Custom designed by Sara Curran Ice are the final touch to this beautiful spectacular production.
The story of the Holocaust is one that should never be forgotten and so the writer Elliot Shoenman gives voice not just to his family story but to the millions of families who’s stories remain untold.
Kudos to the producers Daniel Shoenman, Zoia Wiseman and Annie Mc Vey for creating one of the best productions, I’ve seen this year!
A MUST SEE AND NOT TO BE MISSED!
Photos by Zoia Wiseman
