Dedication presents the story of my personal journey to find a connection with a gifted pianist, my uncle, who was robbed of both life and legacy when he was murdered at Auschwitz at the age of 21. Through the music of Frederick Chopin – our common bond – I have come to “know” him and, more important, to resurrect his memory. Dedication begins with the story of my 17 year old mother narrowly escaping her family’s attic hiding place just as the gestapo bashed down the door. Her own freedom accomplished, she never saw her family again.
My own knowledge of these events took hold of my imagination from an early age, leaving me with a darkened world view and a growing desire for redemption. Inheriting a “ghost” family from my mother imprinted the idea of loss and the impermanence of life itself. My adult search to reclaim that family, and particularly my young uncle was a path to meaning for me. It led me to not only “resurrect” a particular life, but to bring my own life into focus. Music was the essential connection with this lost family member, and through music I found both him and myself.
This play incorporates fifty minutes of dialog, 20 minutes of music, and many archival photos, documents and videos.
I am asking for contributions to take Dedication to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for it’s world premiere in August of 2020. Almost immediately after submitting my script, the play was accepted by over 10 venues! I will give 24 performances in 25 days. Bringing this show to the world’s largest art festival is an expensive undertaking. Though, rarely profitable for artists, it’s the place to be seen by producers and critics who will invest in the future of a show. After this run I wish to take the show all over the US and Europe to entertain, educate and to help fight anti-Semitism.
Costs include hiring a director, lighting designer, sound designer and renting rehearsal spaces while still in the US. Then I must fly and house all of these professionals to Scotland for rehearsals before the Festival. In Edinburgh I must split expenses with the theater, rent a grand piano and pay for one month’s food and accomodations. Publicity flyers and posters must be paid for as well. It’s a massive undertaking. I need friends like you to help! Remember, Kickstarter will only fund this project if we meet our goal.
I’m trying to raise $24,500. on Kickstarter. The total budget for the production is is almost $40,000. I will acquire the rest of the money through arts grants and Jewish foundations.
See you in Scotland! Thanks!
I have been writing this play for 2 years. 40 drafts later – it is finally finished. Financially, I don’t foresee too many risks. If I don’t get enough grant money to completely fund the trip – I will get creative with budgeting. It won’t stop me – IT WILL GET TO EDINBURGH.