A chilling revelation unfolds in Detroit, where a play peels back the layers of one of WWII's most enigmatic mysteries. 'Here There are Blueberries' captivates audiences with its exploration of a Nazi photo album, a discovery that sent shockwaves through the historical community.
The play, currently showing at the Detroit Public Theatre, is inspired by a real-life event. In 2007, archivist Rebecca Erbelding stumbled upon a photo album at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, containing never-before-seen images from the WWII era. As Erbelding and her team investigated, they uncovered a story that would resonate worldwide. A German businessman, recognizing his grandfather in the album, embarked on a personal journey, delving into the intricate web of Nazi descendants and the moral dilemmas they face.
This powerful narrative is brought to life on stage through the creative use of projected images and a talented ensemble cast. The L.A. Times praised the script by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich as 'the greatest detective story ever written,' and it's not hard to see why. The play offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust, focusing on the personal lives of Nazi officers and their families, as depicted in seemingly innocent photographs. But here's where it gets controversial—the play contrasts these ordinary images with the atrocities committed by the Nazis, forcing viewers to confront the unsettling reality of evil lurking behind mundane facades.
The set design by Sarah Pearline is a standout, with photographs displayed on screens of various sizes, creating an immersive experience. The cast, led by Cheryl Turski as Rebecca, delivers compelling performances, with notable mentions for Artun Kircali, Ron Williams, Eric Gutman, and Diane Hill, who bring depth and emotion to their multifaceted roles. The lighting design by David Shocket further enhances the dramatic tension.
The play challenges the audience with a profound message: the monsters of history are not always who we think they are. They live among us, believing themselves to be the heroes. But are we willing to let them shape our future?
'Here There are Blueberries' is a must-see for anyone intrigued by history's mysteries and the complexities of human nature. The production runs until November 2nd at the Detroit Public Theatre, leaving audiences with thought-provoking questions and a deeper understanding of the past.
