THE STORY: MEMORY explores how we choose to remember events and the consequences of those choices. We are introduced to a group of actors in the rehearsal room with their director. They take us to East Berlin in 1990 just as the wall has come down. A young man arrives at his grandmother’s flat with awkward questions about the past. Meanwhile, a generation later, the Israeli security barrier is going up. The past and present are explored in a series of compelling scenes, and memories are challenged in the search for the truth. MEMORY is an intimate exploration of division, destiny and recollection.
“…compelling drama…an impressive achievement…” —The New York Times.
“…[a] searing, absolutely splendid new play by Jonathan Lichtenstein…” —Backstage.
“We fall head first into the compelling tales and their tragic conclusions…Lichtenstein’s drama—part historical, part political—gains the ability to deliver a theatrical blow that sends us reeling…” —Village Voice.
“Lichtenstein writes trenchant scenes of direct confrontation and dialogue uncluttered with poetic obfuscation. The play’s conflicts and resolutions are painful in the extreme and there is, in the end, no release from them and no relief to be found in false memory.” —Variety.
“…[an] aching and complex piece…” —TheaterMania.
“An innovative thought-provoker that draws in the audience and enthrals…” —Jewish Telegraph (UK).
“An astounding piece of drama…” —Metro (UK).
“Utterly absorbing, emotionally powerful…” —Stage (London).
“A masterly dramatisation of the power and frailty of memory…” —Western Mail Cardiff (UK).