Here There Are Blueberries

 Here There Are Blueberries
Tectonic Theater Project
New York Theatre Workshop
May 4, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workshop

“Who are we in the story?” is the question the audience is asked at the end of Here There Are Blueberries.  Conceived and directed by Moisés Kaufman, this Tectonic Theater Project production, presented in collaboration with New York Theatre Workshop, is a visceral experience with a timely message.  The piece chronicles the discovery, examination, and research of a collection of photos taken at Auschwitz.  The stories that are revealed from this historical artifact change the way we view the participants in the horrific events of World War II.  

Rebecca Erbelding, a curator at the Holocaust Memorial Museum (played by Elizabeth Stahlmann), receives a call from Peter Wirths (played by Grant James Varjas).  He claims he has an album of photographs that he believes were taken inside Auschwitz.  He asks if the museum would like to see them.  There is much doubt as to whether the photos were actually taken in the camp, since the Nazis destroyed all evidence of the atrocities.  When the album is received, Rebecca shares it with her colleagues.  They are amazed at what they see.  There are no photos of the prisoner, but numerous photos of officers and administrators inside the Auschwitz camp and surrounding areas.  The photos record their daily activities and leisurely pursuits.  The high ranking officers are easily identified.  The timeline of events and identities of the lesser known individuals take longer to piece together.  Once they do, they draw vital and shocking conclusions about the participants in the horrific events. 

Elizabeth Stahlmann as Rebecca Erbelding
Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workship

Dialogue scenes are crafted from interviews, testimonies, and historic documents.  These are all
masterfully scripted by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, playing numerous roles, including museum investigators, Holocaust survivors, present day family members of Nazi party members, and known Nazi officials.  There are outstanding performances by Scott Barrow, Nemuna Ceesay, Kathleen Chalfant, Jonathan Raviv, Erika Rose, Elizabeth Stahlmann, Charlie Thurston, and Grant James Varjas. 

Elizabeth Stahlmann & Kathleen Chalfant
Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workshop

The process of investigating this photographic evidence is illuminated by the projection design of David Bengali.  These projections include reproductions of the artifacts from the authenticated photo album.  They are compiled in a way that highlight specific details in the images that lead researchers to ask more questions and dig deeper.  This design element illustrates the thought process of these experts, as they uncover facts and draw conclusions.

The power of this piece is multi-layered.  It tells how historians continually uncover truth that furthers our understanding of historic events.  It also makes us aware that valuable evidence that can give powerful insight into the past can be found anywhere and at any time.  Most importantly, in this time of turbulent unrest, hate, and fear, it informs us that horrific events are not initiated by monsters, but acted upon by humans who willfully participate due to their need to belong, and have an ability to block out the hurt and harm they see.  This piece urges us to be vehemently aware of who we are in the story. 

Here There are Blueberries is playing at New York Theatre Workshop through June 16.  Go see it, and find out the meaning of title. 

Domenick Danza

For Peter Pan on her 70th birthday

For Peter Pan on her 70^th birthday

Playwrights Horizons

August 25, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Sarah Ruhl states that she wrote For Peter Pan on her 70th birthday as a gift for her mother on her 70^th birthday.  Presently in previews at Playwrights Horizons, this play is a gift of opportunity to all of us to ponder the occurrences in life that we cannot turn back from.  It is a chance to contemplate the circumstances that push us toward growing up, no matter our age.  Les Waters directs an amazing ensemble cast, creating a close-knit family of five adult brothers and sisters who face and accept the death of their father.  The script gives insight to each of their varied perspectives.  It is a tender and intimate story.

Ann (played by Kathleen Chalfant), John (played by Daniel Jenkins), Michael (played by Keith Redding), Jim (played by David Chandler), and Wendy (played by Lisa Emery) surround their father (played by Ron Crawford) on his death bed.  Time moves slowly until he finally lets go.  The brothers and sisters meet back at their childhood home to reminisce and toast their father and the memory of their other departed loved ones.  They realize they are now orphans.  The only one who admits she has not grown up is Ann, who played Peter Pan in her youth.  As they sleep in their childhood beds that night, the thought of flying off to Neverland overpowers them all.

Kathleen Chalfant, Daniel Jenkins, Keith Redding, & Lisa Emery
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

In the program notes, Ms. Ruhl talks about how she structured this play after Japanese Noh drama.  In part one the protagonist meets the ghost.  In part two they recognize the ghost.  In part three they embrace and dance with the ghost.  Since the play is in three scenes, this structure is clearly defined.  Being aware of it gives a deeper insight into the emotional and universal journey of the play.  Each member of the cast builds distinctive characters who unite during this solemn occasion to face the challenges and the changes ahead. 

For Peter Pan on her 70^th birthday runs on Playwrights Horizons’ Mainstage Theatre through October 1.  It is Sarah Ruhl’s most personal play, and is touching on many levels.

Domenick Danza