The Center Grove Theatre Department is proud to present “Letters to Sala,” the story of a young woman’s life, friendships and love in a Nazi labor camp.
“Letters to Sala” is based on the true story of Sala Garncarz Kirschner, a Polish Jew who spent five years in seven labor Nazi labor camps as a teenager during World War II. During this time, Sala wrote more than 350 letters, which she kept hidden until her fateful decision to reveal them to her grown daughter, Ann.
“Letters to Sala” explores the emotional journeys of the Kirschner women as Sala relives her past, Ann learns her mother’s story, Ann’s daughters realize the significance of their Jewish heritage, and all three generations consider what should be done with these powerful letters. Are they personal relics or important historical documents?
Based on the book “Sala’s gift” by Ann Kirschner, “Letters to Sala” was written by Arlene Hutton. The Center Grove Theatre production is the Indiana premiere of this full-‐length play and is directed by Andrea Lott Haney.
“The message of triumph over oppression and holding on to the strength of memories in ‘Letters to Sala’ holds universal appeal and a timeless quality,” says Haney. “Even though the play deals with the Holocaust, its messages still apply to us today.
“’Letters to Sala’ is a modern and updated version of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank,’ appropriate and educational for all ages, that tells the lesser-‐known story of the labor camps, as opposed to the death camps,” Haney continues. “We meet survivors and see their scars and their will to live going forward. We see their motivation and we learn what it’s like to live as a slave, and eventually gain the gift of freedom.”
“Letters to Sala” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 21 and Saturday, November 23 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 at the Center Grove High School Performing Arts Center, 2717 S. Morgantown Rd. in Greenwood. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and children and can be purchased at the school office the week of the show or at the door beginning one hour before each performance.
For more information, contact Angie Ward at 317.410.2060 or Psychward4@gmail.com.
