HIMMELWEG June 21, 2012

REDROOM Theatre Company present

HIMMELWEG (Way To Heaven)
Witten By Juan Mayorga
Translated By David Johnston
Directed By Alister Smith

Look a little closer, what do you see?

On June 23 1944, the Nazis permitted an inspection of the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp by the Red Cross. This was done in order to dispel terrifying rumours of genocide, but what the inspectors witnessed sent chills down their spines - it was a hauntingly peaceful community of Jews. If only they had looked a little closer...

HIMMELWEG tells the devastating tale of these actual events that occurred during World War II. Known as ‘Operation Embellishment’; a fake community was established in an attempt to misdirect the negative world view of Hitler as he addressed “The Jewish question”. The camps prisoners were forced to rehearse scenes, which LITERALLY became the performances of their lives. “Himmelweg” means “Way to Heaven”; this is what the Nazi Soldiers called the path into the extermination camps.

Written by acclaimed playwright Juan Mayorga, HIMMELWEG premiered in 2005 at London’s Royal Court Theatre. Proudly presented by REDROOM Theatre Company, the 2012 Theatre Works season marks the Melbourne premiere of the powerful production; a story about propaganda at its most deadly.

“A compelling, cunningly constructed play." (The Independent)

"This shattering play should not be missed!" (Sunday Times)

21 June – 1 July 2012
Tues – Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm
Tickets: $35 Full, $30 Concession and Grps 10+ (+bf)
Bookings: 03 9534 3388 or www.theatreworks.org.au
Theatre Works: 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
www.redroomtheatre.com