Irena’s Vow

To my surprise the play Irena’s Vow was not a one woman show, where the actress would act all the characters in the play from the twelve Jews to the Nazi major, as predicted by my professor. The play, however, opened with Ms. Feldshuh, in a narrative voice, portraying Irena Gut and nine supporting cast members acting different characters in the play. Periodically, during the play Ms. Feldshuh would act as some of the characters, usually by with foot stumping, coughing, or changing in tone.

Irena’s Vow was based on the true story of Irena, hiding twelve Jews in the house of a Nazi major Rugemer during the Holocaust. After witnessing the Holocaust herself, Irena was determined to save a life if she was capable of. This will to save a life foreshadowed her decision on the fate of the baby that was about to be born by one of the hiding Jews. The play also involved the internal conflict within the people of Nazis. Rokita, ruthless commander who believed suppression of the Jews was genius, contrasted with Major Rugemer, someone who concerned only about himself. In reality, the average German during the Holocaust sympathized with Jews.

The transformation from text to play for Irena’s Vow was successful in many aspects. From the text’s dark mood to the play’s dark comedy, the play felt more emotional and easier to digest for the audience. Scultz, the old house keeper for major Rugemer, was consistent in the transformation from text to play. The actor for Scultz resembled that in the text because of his gestures, voice, and physical appearance. Ms. Feldshuh, near her sixties, was exceptional for portraying Irena, who was in her youth during the Holocaust.
The stagecraft, however, could have been better. Frequently lighting would not focus on the actors; actors would have to walk to the spotlight while talking. Nonetheless, the sound from the machine gun was very realistic.

Though Irena’s Vow was not close to perfection, it certainly changed my perception on holocaust. For a decent price, Irena’s Vow is a must see.