‘A Shayna Maidel’ a powerful recollection of a time that must not be forgotten
The story of the Holocaust is one that must be retold. As we proclaim never to forget, we must seek out the storytellers of this horrific period in history. Presented by Firehouse Theater Company, A Shayna Maidel brings to life a deeply moving account of one family’s experience of loss and survival. Written by Barbara Lebow, it is a beautiful, yet devastating theatrical journey that must be seen.
A Shayna Maidel (translated as “a beautiful girl”) is the story of two sisters. One is a survivor of the concentration camps and the other is a completely Americanized young woman having escaped the horrors of Nazi Germany. The two sisters meet in 1946 when Lusia (Megan Loeffler) comes to America in search of both her husband and her surviving family members. Rose (Elicia Hesslegrave) is called upon to host the sister she has not seen in over 20 years. Their father, Mordechai Weiss (Albert Banker), lives a subway ride away but is anxious to welcome his daughter to America.
At first, the tension is palpable, with both sisters being uncomfortable and unsure of how to act around each other. Lusia will not discuss her time in the camps. However, one can easily see the pain etched on Ms. Loeffler’s face throughout the play while Rose continues to attempt to Americanize her sister, with little luck.
Jumping back and forth between the present-day and distant memories, we are introduced to Mama (Lisa Wolf) and Hanna (Sarah Goldberg) a friend of young Lusia. These characters introduce us to another place and time while broadening our understanding of the horrors that are yet to commence. And through all of it, Lusia never gives up hope of finding her husband, Duvid (Michael Gurshtein).
As an audience, we are given insight into these characters and their extended family. In an emotionally wrenching moment, Mordechai recites the names of family members and their possible fate. Lusia returns with her own list, giving an accurate run-down of what happened to each one of them. But there is a sense of hope as the curtain falls on this emotionally charged production. The semblance of a family has been reunited in America and the future is theirs to imagine.
As the two sisters, Megan Loeffler (Lusia) and Elicia Hesslegrave (Rose) give truly remarkable performances, both heart-wrenching and powerful. Loeffler is trapped in her horrific memories and Hesslegrave is the perfect example of someone who has been perhaps overly Americanized. They are perfectly paired and provide a solid basis for the play.
As Mordechai, Albert Banker is the overbearing patriarch of the family filled with bravado and stern warnings. His performance is both strong and profound. As Duvid, Michael Gurshtein is a breath of fresh air for his calm demeanor and quiet strength. Rounding out the cast are Lisa Wolf as Mama and Sarah Goldberg as Hanna. They both provide well-conceived characterizations and tell much of the back story of this family.
Without being overly sentimental, Steve Tangedal has directed the play with a certain frankness. Filled with the horrors of the times, Tangedal does not shy away from presenting a realistic picture of the Holocaust and everything it has come to represent. Yet he also provides a glimmer of hope as the characters evolve and at last, the family is reunited.
Hats off to Helen Hand, executive producer of Firehouse Theater, for bringing A Shayna Maidel to our attention. It is a first-rate production that isn’t always easy to absorb, however, it tells a story that needs to be repeated eternally.
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