cabaus.txt

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http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2007.htm#nazi
Title: Cabaret Auschwitz - Playfellow Productions
4 gold bats
http://www.myspace.com/playfellows  

21 08 07 - Tim Macavoy who wrote and directed this play and the 
wonderful Playfellow Productions, took a significant risk of 
offending Jewish 'sensibilities' and being accused of bad taste 
by staging 'Cabaret Auschwitz.' On the other hand if they 
succeeded with their show and its taboo theme, they could hardly
count on critical acclaim given the subject matter. (In fact 
the Guardian wrote it off 'unseen' as early as June 07!) This 
is the obscure story of 'Block 24,' the most clever cabaret of
all Europe. In a concentration camp where missing your cap at 
roll call meant instant death, the inmates of Block 24 had to
run the camps cabaret entertainment as well as serve in its 
brothel, or die! Playfellow's use of cabaret and burlesque to
encapsulate the story, makes a good use of the genre to raise
it above its customary vacuous decadence, lust, sex, titillation
and general empty headedness. The narrative and relationships in
Block 24 are fraught and the possibility of instant death 
accompanies the most banal exchanges. In turn this puts a sharper
edge on the loves, lusts and artistic direction of the camp
cabaret. The dreadful stories it recounts of life in this
nightmare are all rooted in fact. As such its a serious show 
and the audience observe respectfully as if confronted by the 
real thing. In some strange way the production bears witness to 
another dreadful facet of the holocaust and is deserving of some 
recognition for that. This is the only show you will see with a 
great closing number which will make you feel guilty if you enjoy 
it and clap! I met with the talented cast a few days later and 
they could not be faulted for their sincerity in taking on this 
project or their belief in its worth.

By John Vassallo