Galleries of memories propel "Signs of Life," a living diorama filled with characters caught in the middle of the Holocaust.
The Department of Performing Arts, in conjunction with Snap-Two Productions, Inc., LimanAde Productions and Issembert Productions, Inc., will stage the first academic dramatic reading of "Signs of Life" in the Katzen Studio Theatre June 1 and 2.
It's set in the Czechoslovakia's Terezin, a fortress retrofitted after the invasion of the Axis powers in World War II into a ghetto primarily meant for Jews.
The production is based on the true events of Nazis' efforts to swindle the Red Cross into believing the ghettos were safe havens for Jews and sought to beautify the ghettos.
Told in interceding vignettes, these stories include the dogged single-mindedness of a Nazi officer and his enduring belief in Hitler's empire; the budding young love between two people trapped in the ghetto; and Kurt, played by AU musical theatre graduate John Fritz, a man with an emotional conflict between helping Jews survive and preserving their art or saving himself by cooperating with the Nazis.
"Signs of Life" searches for those moments of levity against the grave possibility of death, along the way asking how one can move on from such moments.
Matt Rubbelke, a rising senior in the College of Arts and Science and the School of Communication, plays Simon, a romantic who falls for Leah (AU CAS and SOC alumna Lisa Michelle). He said his character brings comedic relief to the grim events in Terezin.
"Simon is your typical, awkward Romeo who has no idea what he's doing, as far as wooing this girl," Rubbelke said.
Developing these ideas for the stage required research into the history of Terezin. During the show, historical footage of sketches by citizens of the ghetto appear on screens.
James Randle, an AU alumnus and assistant director on "Signs Of Life," said his role was a unique experience.
"I'm assistant directing, narrating and designing the lights at the same time," Randle said.
Randle had the script for four months before rehearsals began, giving him the opportunity to hone the ideas of the show with the director, DPA Associate Professor Gail Humphries Mardirosian, as well as the writers of the book and music, Peter Ullian and Joel Derfner.
After an quick and intense week of rehearsals, the show was ready for the stage.
"The characters and the plot have undergone a lot of shifts as we go," Randle said.
Ben Gibson, a graduate of CAS, plays Heidel, one of the prominent German officers in "Signs of Life." His belief in the Nazi empire is challenged by Commandant Rahm (played by School of International Service graduate Shannon McArdle), whose believes his job is simply bureaucratic trifle.
"A lot of my choices are based off of trying to balance Rahm, the other officer, who is doing a job, but doesn't necessarily believe in it," Gibson said.
Rubbelke managed to sum up the central idea of "Signs of Life."
"There are these people who, even amidst these horrific circumstances, somehow manage to have somewhat of, not a normal life, but a life." Rubbelke said.
When: June 1st at 7 p.m. and June 2 at 1 p.m.
Where: Katzen Studio Theatre
Price: Free, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat email Laurie Levy Issembert at tllg22@gmail.com or call (202) 360-7578.
There will be talkbacks after both performances.
