The Theatre Artists Studio, Phoenix Holocaust Association, and Arizona Jewish Historical Society are proud to present a staged reading and talk-back of the play “Mazel”.
Based on the experiences of Holocaust survivor Jack Sittsamer, who survived eight concentration camps, “Mazel” follows Sittsamer as he comes to America after the war and begins a new life in Pittsburgh, marrying and raising a family there. Like many survivors, Sittsamer buried his past and refused to speak to his children about his experiences. Now at the other end of his life, as depicted in Mazel, Sittsamer has begun speaking out. He finds an urgent need and a sense of purpose in these lectures. And that, unfortunately, does nothing to soothe his prickly relationship with his daughter Pearl. When she was a child, he would never talk about this essential fact of his life. Now she sees him sharing it with strangers. Things go from unsteady to much worse with the arrival of Martin, a 19-year-old German spending a year abroad learning about and working with Holocaust survivors. Pearl not only doesn’t forgive the Germans, she can’t see why anyone should … especially her father, who has taken Martin under his wing.
The talk-back will feature Mazel’s esteemed playwright, Amy Hartman, the show’s cast, and acclaimed director, Kathleen Butler, who will be flying in from New York to direct this compelling piece of theatre.
Tuesday, April 29, 6:00-8:30pm
Arizona Jewish Historical Society
Cutler Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center
122 E. Culver St. Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tickets: $36/person Refreshments will be served.
122 E Culver St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
