the Stage Review

'Harrowing' is a term much overused these days, one might argue, and there is a certain, grim satisfaction at the realisation that here is a play that actually earns the epithet - not only through its subject matter, a concentration camp survivor's real-life story, but also the eerily matter of fact way of its presentation.

Speaking from her sitting room in the present, elderly Ester Herschberg begins a narrative, taken up by her younger self, of the six years that chart her dark journey from a plucky teenager in pre-war Poland to skeletal survivor of the Nazi concentration camps. Subtitled 'a theatrical documentary', Miri Ben-Shalom's play is precisely that - two performers narrate from strictly defined zones that are rarely permitted to overlap, while a third makes brief appearances to add tension. It is anything but a static experience, however, and key to this is the energy Emma Paterson brings to the young Ester, avoiding sentimentality by projecting her ever-present vulnerability without compromising her inner strength. The effect has the audience veering between gut-wrenching sympathy and the urge to cheer her on.

Meanwhile Erene Kaptani creates a strong portrayal of the old Ester and she responds well to the odd decision to cast an actress in her twenties to play a septuagenarian. If a little scruffy, Marcel Stoetzler bursts in at key points in Nazi uniform to stride about in jackboots and threaten the occasional mock execution.

Director Andy McQuade makes little impact but there is really no blame here since Ben-Shalom's format leaves little room for manoeuvre. Most suited for the educational circuit, the value cannot be underestimated of this intelligent plea that we should never forget.

Nick Awde