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Holocaust Pianist's Story Becomes Moving Musical
26 Oct
Summary
- Musical adaptation transforms Władysław Szpilman's Holocaust survival story.
- Pianist's compositions are integral to the atmospheric chamber production.
- The show powerfully portrays survivor's guilt and slide into totalitarianism.
A new musical adaptation is drawing attention for its sensitive portrayal of Polish pianist Władysław Szpilman's wartime survival. Thom Southerland's direction transforms Szpilman's memoir into an atmospheric chamber piece, uniquely integrating the pianist's own compositions. The production features actors who are also accomplished musicians, with a central piano that becomes a focal point.
Daniel Krikler portrays an "elegantly otherworldly" Szpilman, narrating his experiences. The show delves into the pianist's family life before the war, highlighting their privilege and musicality, and explores themes of resistance versus survival. Malcolm Forbes-Peckham plays Szpilman's wartime self, often seen at the piano, offering a unique depiction of an "out of body experience" as the older Szpilman watches on.
The adaptation skillfully depicts the slide into totalitarianism and Szpilman's profound survivor's guilt. The set design, particularly a scene leading to Auschwitz, contributes to the chilling atmosphere. While some moments verge on sentimentality, particularly in the second half where Szpilman is alone and in hiding, the production ultimately offers a moving experience, culminating in Krikler's solo piano performance.
