http://theaterjblogs.wordpress.com/2007/05/09/a-powerful-holocaust-play-impeccably-performed/ Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:56:51 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://theaterjblogs.wordpress.com/2007/05/09/a-powerful-holocaust-play-impeccably-performed/#comment-50 The Older Hessel Thu, 10 May 2007 15:54:48 +0000 http://theaterjblogs.wordpress.com/2007/05/09/a-powerful-holocaust-play-impeccably-performed/#comment-50 Peter Marks stated, among other things, that it would be nice if Kurt Gerstein had saved some Jews, the implication being that his lack of success in this regard eliminated him as a proper subject of a theatrical production. But what this remark really demonstrates is Marks' inability to view Nazi Germany in any manner outside of what has become the typical bad German, good Jew mentality. In fact, as this play shows, there was more to Germany than that. It was a horrific, but functioning society, filled with people leading their lives under very atypical and troubled circumstances, coping as best they could, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, crippled by their own prejudices and impotence. Gerstein did more than most to hold onto a modicum of self-respect, and yes he failed in the end. But this is irrelevant to the play. The success of the play is how it enables its viewers to see Nazi Germany from a perspective very different from the one normally presented by Holocaust survivors. This may be disturbing to some, but it is important. And it will keep the flawed life of Kurt Gerstein, and his failed attempt at some sort of redemption, from being forgotten. Peter Marks stated, among other things, that it would be nice if Kurt Gerstein had saved some Jews, the implication being that his lack of success in this regard eliminated him as a proper subject of a theatrical production. But what this remark really demonstrates is Marks’ inability to view Nazi Germany in any manner outside of what has become the typical bad German, good Jew mentality. In fact, as this play shows, there was more to Germany than that. It was a horrific, but functioning society, filled with people leading their lives under very atypical and troubled circumstances, coping as best they could, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, crippled by their own prejudices and impotence. Gerstein did more than most to hold onto a modicum of self-respect, and yes he failed in the end. But this is irrelevant to the play. The success of the play is how it enables its viewers to see Nazi Germany from a perspective very different from the one normally presented by Holocaust survivors. This may be disturbing to some, but it is important. And it will keep the flawed life of Kurt Gerstein, and his failed attempt at some sort of redemption, from being forgotten.

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