The Orange Curtain Review

Written by Patrick Chavis 

When you talk about a war not lacking in coverage, WW2 might be the most covered war in America’s history (no actual research on this). Because of this serious saturation of media, we are all very familiar with this period– Nazis were vicious, Hitler was a huge prick, and there was, of course, a serious loss of life in the infamous death camps, which are now the standard by which many people measure humanity’s capacity for evil. They are vitally important stories, but since they are told so often, I don’t usually jump at the chance to see another one of these shows. And it occurs to me, do I need to see another WW2 show? Maybe Schindler’s List got it right the first time.

It turns out the answer to my question is yes. After watching Ingrid Garner, granddaughter to author Eleanor Garner, act out a play based on Eleanor’s life story, the answer is a resounding yes. The space brings with it the realization that this story I have heard over and over again was not that long ago.   It is still very relevant and worthy of attention. All alone, Ingrid Garner tells us a passionate and youthful story about the dangers of war and its destructive power on everything it touches. This story is taken from the perspective of a young Eleanor, who was very much a child when her family made the mistake of moving to Germany during WW2. While watching this play, we grow up with Eleanor as she learns how to adapt to Nazi Germany and experiences a life vastly different from her American one.  Continue Reading