Review: As Long As We Are Breathing, Arcola Theatre
A mindful, sensitive and emotional journey through one woman’s life, from a girl in hiding during the Holocaust, to a woman making spiritual discoveries.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Holocaust Memorial Day was only a few days ago and marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. As Long As We Are Breathing, currently showing at the Arcola Theatre, is a play based on the true-story life of Miriam Freedman, who was born in Slovakia in 1934 and lived through that awful time. Adapted from interviews by writer Diane Samuels, the play creatively tells the story of Miriam’s childhood, forced into hiding, and examines some of the impact of those years – even after it felt unspeakable for a long time.
Adorning the set with artefacts and pictures, Designer Isabella Van Braeckel has created a warm and inviting scene decorated with memory – with a life. Caroline Gruber as Miriam welcomes us gently into the space. A younger woman, played by Zoe Goriely, is, in fact, Miriam known by the name she used to go by – Eva. Actor/Musician Matthew James Hinchliffe sits among a number of musical instruments, and creates a meditative atmosphere for us as we enter.
What you can rightly expect from stories around the time of the Holocaust is the terror, the horror and the fear. What is unexpected but comforting is the framework of As Long As We Are Breathing which is one of mindfulness, togetherness and peace. Miriam chats to us as we enter, and then in a comforting way guides us through a breathing exercise which grounds us in the moment. Freedman’s own journey through spirituality and yogic practice inhabits the space and pulls us deeper into the life we are shown.
That isn’t to say that we don’t hear and feel the tragedy and the grief. Maybe the intimate and calm space allows us both to feel safe to experience the awful and to provide stark contrast. The audience is well held in this difficult content, guided equally by Gruber’s and Goriely’s symbiotic performances and Hinchliffe’s supportive musical offerings.
The scale of war is immense, and perhaps inconceivable to those of us blessed not to live through it. As Long As We Are Breathing adds to the voices of individuals which are crucial for us to know and remember. This is intimate storytelling led by emotive performances and creative use of embedded music. I am grateful for the gift of Freedman’s story, and the way it was shared with us today. And, finally, I am left with the important final message of As Long As We Are Breathing; that being one of opening your heart to others, and of forgiveness.
Written by: Diane Samuels
Directed by: Ben Caplan
Produced by: Sarah Lawrie
Dramaturg: Titiana Krimpas
Set & Costume Design by: Isabella Van Braeckel
Lighting Design by: Tom Turner
Sound Design & Music Editing by: Jon Fiber
Video Design by: Douglas Baker
Movement Direction by: Jasmin Colangelo
As Long As We Are Breathing plays at the Arcola Theatre until Saturday 1st March. Further information and booking details can be found here.