Two-person play tells one man’s story of family & loss

By VERONIQUE DUPREY
A Seat on the Aisle

I attended opening night of The Berlin Diaries last Friday, Feb. 28, at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this new play co-directed by Constance Macy and Rabbi Brett Krichiver for the Phoenix Theatre, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Andrea Stolowitz, the playwright, received a copy of her great-grandfather’s diary from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and eventually traveled to Berlin for a year-long fellowship to write a play based on the diary. The Berlin Diaries is about her discovery of materials, family history, and sense of belonging as she sets out to write this play. Although the subject includes the Holocaust, we do not live through the suffering of individuals at that time, but rather spend time before and after that period with those who escaped it, and in the present, with those who live with generational trauma.

Two exceptional local actors, Jennifer Johansen and Rob Johansen, give life to all the characters, past and present, never leaving the stage. They are given the additional task of portraying the same character, simultaneously, as the play calls for monologues to be delivered by both actors, a few lines at a time, “as one person in conversation with themself” according to program notes. Though I was forewarned, it still confused me a bit at times, as the delineation of who was speaking was not always clear to me – my companion, however, had no such qualms.

Rob and Jennifer Johansen star in The Berlin Diaries. (Photo courtesy Phoenix Theatre)

Both actors beautifully portrayed a wide range of characters, helped by neutral costumes, non-specific to any period or gender, and I thoroughly enjoyed their journey. Music and lighting also set the tone appropriately. The simple set consisted of a large tree, with printed words for leaves, evoking both ideas of a family tree and the written words from diaries, letters, or plays. The tree also, cleverly, served as depository or hiding place for various props. A number of old-fashioned suitcases completed the setting, and were used efficiently to create various locations.

I was touched by the universality of the importance of family, and how every human being yearns for a sense of belonging, for their families to spend time together and get along, and for their children to suffer less. The world is a harsh enough place – may we be blessed to have a refuge of safety in our own family.

Bottom line: Highly recommended! With a background of the Jewish diaspora, this new work speaks to universal themes of belonging, family, and hope. Some humor interspersed throughout lightens this autobiographical drama. Do not miss the opportunity to see phenomenal acting in service of this touching story. Performances continue through March 16, and free parking is available in the lot across the street. Ticket information is available at phoenixtheatre.org/buy-tickets.

Read more great play reviews from A Seat on the Aisle at asota.wordpress.com.