One of the most astonishing theatrical productions this summer in NYC

One of the most astonishing theatrical productions this summer in NYC occurred at St. Ann’s Warehouse, which hosted the Great Small Works 9th International Toy Theater Festival. But to call Kamp from the Rotterdam-based troupe Hotel Modern a theater piece doesn’t even come close to describing their re-imagining of Auschwitz as a breathtaking scale model peopled by thousands of three-inch tall miniatures, looking like a European version of Mexico’s Day of the Dead figurines. Taking up the entire stage, the intricate and precise installation would fit right at home at the Whitney Biennial and includes not only rows of barracks and a railroad track but also the phrase ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’ emblazoned on a gateway.

Through this setting three company members, two women and a man dressed in drab grey outfits, manipulate the tiny, nameless and mute characters and project the results in real time upon a large back screen via equally miniature cameras. What better way to get at the essence of one of history’s most surreal events than by presenting the Holocaust in such a surreal fashion?

12-6-2006