Prompt #5

     A theatrical abstraction that struck me as effective would be in Five Flights, when the production team decided not to physically put an aviary on stage. The entire story is centered around this immense, beautiful yet broken down aviary. However, this aviary wasn’t explicitly built onto the set. Sofer’s theory of “dark matter” helps elucidate the effectiveness of this choice because as he says, this “dark matter” is an extremely pertinent part of the play. The aviary is what causes the conflict of the story, because the family cannot decide who to give it to or what to do with it. One of the reasons it is so effective, is that it leaves the actual look of the aviary up to the audiences’ imagination. By doing that, I think the audience is drawn in more. Based on the descriptions given throughout the script, each individual watching the show is able to conjure what the aviary looks like and represents to them. Each person’s interpretation is unique. The idea of the aviary is more mysterious, more intriguing and instills the audience members with a sense of curiosity and wonder.

    The best way for the Holocaust to be represented is historically and factually. I don’t think there is anyway for the Holocaust to be represented in a completely unbiased manner, because even if it is shown in what is supposed to be a “purely historical way” there is still someone who put together that documentary, or arranged those photographs from the Holocaust. For example, the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. was created to memorialize this event and educate individuals about it. Although it is filled with historically accurate information, the exhibits were still created by someone, and this individual made it so attendees of the museum view things in a certain order or way. Despite that bias, I still think this is the best way represent the Holocaust.

    There are plenty of pieces of artwork that I’m sure beautifully depict the Holocaust in a heart-wrenching manner, however I personally don’t think it is an event that should be beautified at all. There is no way the horrors of Auschwitz can be redeemed. The most respectful way to approach the event is in a factual manner, with as little artistic interpretation placed on it as possible. Our discussion about the possibilities of abstraction is pertinent to this topic, because I believe that when the Holocaust is a topic of artistic expression, be it film, art or literature, there is a certain level of horror that isn’t completely addressed. So that individuals can watch it, there is generally a certain level of hope in these art forms and for some people during that time I don’t think there was any. By omitting the full-extent of atrocities, panic and sadness that were felt during this time, the dark-matter is created.