
Through monologues a brother and sister reflect on their lives and the choices they made. In search of a better life they left Warsaw during the Thirties for places where the grass would always be greener, Moscow for the sister, New York for the brother. He wanted to be somebody. She believed in the socialist ideology. He took his chances on a capitalist society.
Years later they meet again in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. An imaginary Jewish-American wedding provides the setting for self-confrontation and a touching reunion, while a live soundtrack by the best Russian and American composers of the first half of the previous century accompanies them. Regret, bitterness and pain alternate with universal laws like roots, blood ties and the love between siblings…
This musical theatre production is supported by edited images and film. The musicians of Quartet Enigma interpret a repertory from Shostakovich to Gershwin on stage. Opera soprano Valerie Vervoort presents vocal impressions of this poignant but hopeful story. Inspiration for this Jewish drama is the work of Nobel Prize winner Isaac Singer as well as the theatre makers, Noémi Schlosser, own family saga and life experiences. She has both struggled with and been surprised by the tragic but enriching history of her Jewish ancestors, who belonged to the artistic and trendsetting elite of pre-war Prague.
In coproduction with the Arenbergschouwburg and the Cultural Year For Jewish Culture of Antwerp
With the support of the Province of Antwerp and the Flemish Government as well as the City of Antwerp for the New York tour in 2011.
Cast
Concept Noemi Schlosser
Coaching JP Gerrits
Assistant Femke Heyens
Sister Noemi Schlosser
Brother Han Kerckhoffs / American tour Korneel Hamers
Piano Nicolas Callot
Violin Eliot Lawson
Soprano Valerie Vervoort
Cello David Cohen
Viola Frederik Bloits
Movies and animations Guido Verelst for Deepfocus
Light Zita Gerenday