A New Take on an Old Story

Rather than telling the story of the Holocaust during or after its events -- a familiar narrative -– a new play by Israeli author and playwright Iddo Netanyahu shows people navigating relationships and life in a Germany that has just elected Adolf Hitler. In A Happy End, the characters consider...

By Shaughnessy Speirs

September 13, 2012

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Rather than telling the story of the Holocaust during or after its events -- a familiar narrative -– a new play by Israeli author and playwright Iddo Netanyahu shows people navigating relationships and life in a Germany that has just elected Adolf Hitler. In A Happy End, the characters consider the question of whether to stay or go, letting the audience follow along with the benefit of hindsight. “It’s about how people don’t always comprehend the seriousness of the situation,” says Netanyahu, who wrote the play in three months for Italy's Holocaust Memorial Day in 2008.

Zuzana Stivínová, a renowned Czech actress, came to the production through a friend she shared with Netanyahu. "We had tried the part with American actresses," Netanyahu said, but Stivínová brought a European sensibility to the part. A Happy End, directed by Ami Dayan, previews tonight and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. at Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan Street; tickets are $18. The play's regular run continues through September 16; tickets are $25, $15 for seniors and students. For more information, visit www.ahappyend.com.
Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Starts: Aug. 30. Continues through Sept. 16, 2012

Shaughnessy Speirs

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