one4review | On 10, Aug 2024

This play is a beautiful dramatization of Etty Hillesum’s diaries, covering her younger years until her ultimate deportation to Auschwitz. Etty’s story is interspersed with video diaries of Sam Edwards, a mature model and mental health awareness ambassador whose confident façade is shattered when the covid epidemic impacts the world. One day, sifting through a pile of books, Sam comes across Etty’s published diaries and settles down to read them. As Etty’s fragile mental health flourishes under the guidance of her lover Julius Spier, Sam, in turn, finds the courage to leave the house and clap for the NHS. Etty finds beauty in life, even when things are as bleak as they can possibly be, and shows incredible strength. This drama is a fitting tribute to an amazing woman.

The venue is perfect for this play. Its intimacy means that the audience can directly engage with Sarah Finch’s exquisite portrayal of Etty and the space has been adapted to allow the audience to follow Etty on her final journey. The videos of Sam (also played by Sarah) link neatly to the action on stage and an additional screen is used to show pictures of Etty’s personal photographs, as well as chilling directives for the Jewish population, which give the proceedings an additional authenticity.

This is a stunning drama. Due to the nature of the venue, audiences are small, so buy your tickets while you can.

*****

Reviewed by Rona
5pm

Old St Paul’s Church
17.00 (1hr 20)
Until 26th August (not 11th, 18th or 25th)