דרמה
דרמה פסיכולוגית
דרמה תקופתית
מחזה דוקומנטרי
מחזה היסטורי
נושא:
אהבה
אמנות
הישרדות
השואה

הטקסט ב:

עב

אנגלית

en

The play “Untitled (194418)” was written following an in-depth investigation into artists who created during World War II. Some of them continued their art after the war and some did not survive, but what they all had in common was that art gave them and those around them strength, meaning and hope, and allowed them to experience their humanity in the midst of dehumanization. In a chaotic and unpredictable world with much evil (as in our day), our creativity and thoughts have an impact on our ability to survive.

From documentary stories, the character of Nelly was born – a girl who created and sculpted with bread during the war. Nelly created a new movement in art.

The play opens with Nellie, a humorous 96-year-old feminist, called on stage to receive a lifetime achievement award in the arts. Nellie sits in the auditorium with the audience and is led by an usher.

The play presents her story in a non-chronological manner through different stations in her life – passions, loves, disappointments and artistic creation. The transition between times is carried out by walls and moving elements, symbolizing on one side the walls of the ghetto and on the other side her unique works of art. All of these will gradually fill the stage (pictures are attached at the bottom of the play). The play ends when 18-year-old Nelly is led onto the stage by a woman – the same actress who played the orderly at the beginning. At this point, we learn that Nelly is being led to her death by a Nazi. In fact, all of her life experiences presented so far did not happen. These were her last thoughts before her death. Every character in the potential life she could have are characters from her current life, which she envisioned in another future.

Nelly’s fantasies symbolize about 6 million life stories that could have influenced and changed the face of reality. The death of the human race represents not only what people managed to do in their lives, but also what they did not have the opportunity to do, love, experience and influence. The play illustrates the power of creation to maintain identity, motivate, instill hope, survive and continue to be and live.

People die not only after their last breath, but after being forgotten by others. We chose to engage with the remembrance of the Holocaust and heroism specifically with a play full of life, humor, and a “what if” perspective.

Additionally, in the scene before the end, when Nelly and her lover Peter reunite, she chooses to move her residence to a kibbutz in the envelope. Unfortunately, we as an audience already know what is to come (unlike the characters). This refers to the routine that “history repeats itself.”

The plot is largely a dream describing “what would happen if…” during which there are sound effect interventions that symbolize the real world outside (1944 in the Theresienstadt camp). These interventions are made through sound, scenery, and lighting.

Sound – unexpected flashes that symbolize the real world in the Theresienstadt camp. (barks, footsteps, voices,

Excavation, etc.)

Lighting – which will be used to present flashbacks from life in the camp.

Set – During the play, Nelly’s work of art emerges on stage, using sculptures, elements and walls. All of these represent her life’s work. (Photos are attached at the bottom of the play)

These elements are then integrated into the walls on the stage and merge into Nelly’s artwork.

*In order to leave a mark and record time, Nelly writes letters to her beloved Peter on the walls. (Attached in the file)

*Nelly’s transformation to different periods in her life is done in full view of the audience. Except for the older Nelly we met in the opening scene. After her winning monologue, she sits down in the audience to watch. Only at the end of the play do we notice, through a spotlight, that her chair is empty.

*Casting – Some of the roles are intentionally played by the same actors. (For example, the usher/curator and Nelly’s best friend/Nazi who leads Nelly to her death).

All the characters that Nelly will meet during the play (the dream) are women she met during the war.

The play will premiere on May 8, 2025 at the Dortmund Theater. The project was supported by the Goethe-Institut, the North Rhine-Westphalia Office and the Rabinowitz Foundation (in Israel). 

Notes

Set – Nelly’s artwork gradually unfolds on stage and takes shape before our eyes.

Nelly writes letters to her beloved Peter (a character who will accompany Nelly in many of the scenes in the play and will also appear at different ages). She writes for him on the walls using charcoal, thus leaving a mark on her existence.

Nelly’s transition to different periods in her life is exposed to the public.

Casting – Some of the characters are intentionally played by the same actresses, and at the end of the play they will all stand as witnesses.

Girl with a Piece of Cloth – A reflection of Nelly in the Theresienstadt camp. The girl is her alter ego and holds a piece of cloth that preserves her identity. Nelly is the only one who can see her. At the end of the play, as Nelly walks to her death, she holds the piece in her hand, thereby connecting the characters to one another.