By Eva Trieger
SAN DIEGO–It was totally unexpected that Dr. Edie Eger, Holocaust survivor, would drop her stoic shield and shed tears. But what else could she do upon hearing her own tragic experiences related back to her? Such was the case for all five women who had been interviewed prior to the June 1 presentations on their lives at the San Diego Jewish Arts Festival.
These “Women of Valor” were beautifully, dynamically, and authentically portrayed by gifted actresses in a two-hour production on the San Diego Repertory Theater stage.
Rosina Reynolds portrayed Hungarian born ballerina, Dr. Edie Eva Eger, a feisty, yet empathic woman, who survived the brutality of the camps, but today enjoys a thriving practice as a life-affirming psychologist.
Jaya Faux brought us Ana Galicot, a Mexican Jew filled with love, joy, and a positive energy that has helped give birth to the Ken community here in San Diego.
Julie Marcus, spot on with a South African accent, delivered Claire Ellman, a woman with a passion for pioneering Jewish causes and championing the Jewish community since her arrival in the United States.
Julia Ramirez Stone was exemplified by Catalina Maynard. Stone arrived from Mexico where her grandfather had been a hidden Jew. She took on the challenge and delight in creating a Jewish home for her family. She has never stopped reaching out into the community to broaden its horizons, and her own home is a refuge, open to all.
Ali Viterbi did a masterful job as Karen Flexer Friedenberg whose enchanting theatrical elan as a drama teacher to give Jewish children a sense of themselves and a unique pride in their identity.
These five heroic women have enriched San Diego with their presence. They did not all share an overflowing purse, but all shared a bottomless generosity of spirit. Each had an unshakeable faith that she is in charge of her own destiny, and through ingenuity and sheer determination, has carried others along with her.
The filled house was rapt during each of the “stories.” Accompanying photos brought the audience into the lives of these women and allowed us to experience, first hand, their families, homes and cherished memories. The tone of the evening was decidedly joyous and uplifting and when the women and their portrayers met for the first time after the show, the intimacy and mutual respect were palpable.
Directed by Todd Salovey and produced by the Lipinsky Family, we were treated to the writing of Rebecca Meyers, Leah Salovey, Todd Salovey and Ali Viterbi. Quite a feat for such a youthful crew, but their insight and empathy illuminated the stage, accompanied by sweet singing and brachot of Danny Meyers.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer who focuses on the arts. She may be contacted at eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com