Masha King
Performer, A Will To Live, Chain Theatre
What is the play about? What is the message of the play, do you agree or disagree with it?
The play is a true account of how Helena Weinrauch survived between the years of 1939 and 1945 in Soviet and German occupied Poland, with several of those years being spent in Nazi concentration camps. Her story is a testament to how much a human being can endure physically and mentally, as well as a true account of one of the darkest times of human history. I fully agree with continuing to tell stories like Helana's so that history doesn't repeat itself.
Talk about the creative process of this play. Where do you find your inspiration?
On top of studying the history of the time period, I am fortunate enough to have a myriad of video footage of Helena to be able to study her vocal rhythm, accent, musicality, and physicality. The words I speak are her own thoughts and experiences. She is a marvelous storyteller, and I have to leave myself open to be a vessel to carry her words in the most truthful way possible - both truthful to who she is, and as an actor, truthful to the words' powerful emotionality. None of this could be done without my wonderful and patient director, Rick Hamilton. I am inspired by her story itself, as well as by my own Jewish Eastern European roots and family history.
What did you find challenging about bringing this story to life?
As an actor, I draw a lot on my own personal experience. However the things that Helena lived through are so horrendously unique that it is hard to read about, let alone imagine and act out. I feel a great responsibility to her, and to all victims of the Holocaust, to find the balance between portraying not only the horrors that occurred, but also the indescribable capacity of a human being to withstand them. My focus for the remainder of the rehearsals is to infuse the script with every dark and bright shade of such a specific human experience.
Who is the audience of the play? What do you want people to take away from the play?
Everyone.* This is history. And if we as a collective human race, cannot face our own history and what is possible, we are doomed to repeat it. Overarchingly, I hope that people leave the theatre with Helena's words ringing in their ears. "...but I don't hate. The word 'hate' does not exist in my vocabulary. Eliminate the word hate. Because I am unfortunately, the one who paid for it."
*Given the realities of the Holocaust, there is a lot of mention of violence and murder. Helena was 16 years old at the start of her harrowing journey, however parents should be advised if bringing young children into the audience.
Who is your character? What do they learn and how do they grow throughout the play?
Helena is not a character, she is a real person who is still with us, and these are her own actual words and experiences. From anyone that knows her, they can attest she is bright, engaging, SMART, talented and at her core - a survivor. Her experience has shown her, in her own words, that "the human capacity for endurance is incredible."
Who are your collaborators? What do you like about working with them?
My collaborators are the wonderful creatives and board members of The Chain Theatre; Christina Perry (Director of Development), Kirk Gostkowski (Artistic Director, and adapted the script), Rick Hamilton (Managing Director, and director of the play), Debbi Hobson (Costumes), and Shelby Pickelny (Stage Manager, who keeps track and keeps morale up!). Christina, Kirk, and Rick are also friends of Helena's and their intimate knowledge of her is invaluable. This may be a one - person show, but behind the scenes it is a huge team effort. I am able to rely on and trust all of these brilliant artists during the rehearsal process, who are building this show with me in such a way that I can later be able to rely on and trust myself during the performance.
What are you most proud of with this production?
WILL TO LIVE is the largest heft of theatre I have personally ever taken on in terms of text and range of emotion. I am proud to use my craft to tell such an important story of a person who is still able to bear witness, and proud that The Chain theatre cast me in the position to do so.
