By Holly Gould
Lamplight Theatre Company brings us an unforgettable and important story with their touching production of Not Yet, Pista at the Draper Historic Theater in Draper, Utah. Adapted from his own diary, this play was written for the stage by Stephen “Pista” Nasser along with Ann Tane Raskin. Nasser was only thirteen years old when his family was taken from Hungary to Auschwitz in Poland. This is the tender and terrifying story of how he and his older brother experienced the horrible time in history that is known as the Holocaust.
This is not your normal theater experience. Upon entering the theater, audience members are greeted and invited by stern-looking German soldiers to go directly onstage, where there is an intimate theater in the round stage set up. Then they are asked to sign a register and are marked with numbers on our arms and asked to wear a star of David, just as those who were assigned to many labor or concentration camps were required to do. A solemn feeling takes over as the audience quietly finds their seats and Adolf Hitler’s speeches in the harsh German language play in the background. Sitting just a few feet (sometimes less) from the actors helps attendees feel as though they are right in the middle of the experience.
Nasser tells his story in a unique way as he is represented at different ages onstage as he shares his memories. Jonathon Saul (elderly Pista), Joshua Dold (older Pista), and Cael Crosby (young Pista), work together throughout the evening to bring the story alive with fresh perspectives that come with each stage of life.
Saul is the narrator for the evening and shares the story of his family with love and passion. He compels the audience to come along on his emotional journey. He is often a careful and quiet observer of his own memories. We can deeply feel right along with him the solemn and sad moments that tug at our hearts and move swiftly to moments of shock and anger and grief as he does.
Many of the memories are brought to life by young Crosby, along with Gannon Montoya as his older brother Andris. The two boys share a wonderful chemistry onstage and the audience can feel the deep connection between them. The audience members can see much of the teasing and joking that are typical of a brotherly relationship. I loved seeing the two boys smile even in many of their hardest times. The play depicts the boys growing closer and their relationship is strengthened as they experience tremendous challenges together. Montoya plays the role of guardian big brother well and is a great teacher, then a fierce protector for young Pista. Crosby has some delightful moments after he is rescued from the camps and discovers things missing from his childhood, such as chewing gum, and experiencing his first kiss. The work also shows his emotional range as he endures the loss of his beloved brother.
Dold shows that Pista finds there is truly life left to live after hardship. Finally liberated, he moves on to find new life and love. His thoughtful reflections of what happened to him and his family show great respect and love for those who had to endure such great pain. He is genuine in his concern as he looks to the future and begins to think of starting his own family. I was brought to tears as he powerfully expresses the emotion of losing his mother.
This cast is truly completed by a talented and versatile ensemble. Many actors are cast for several different roles and do a great job of being true and clear to their characters. They convincingly show us the clear prejudices of the time towards the Jewish people. They realistically show what it may have been like to be packed into a boxcar and shipped off to Auschwitz. I loved how they were also able to show the compassionate side that surely must have existed with some of the German soldiers and citizens towards those Jews who were held captive.
Director Eldon B. Randall excels at bringing this talented cast together with a great technical team. He works with Lexie Quiner Macedo on lighting and sound that enhance the story with historical audio and video clips. The rest of the lighting is simple, as is the set design (also by Randall), allowing the focus to be on the actors and the compelling story. Costumer Kylea Custer keeps her designs simple and appropriate to the time.
“Hatred strips the soul, and some stories must be told.” Lamplight Theatre Company’s Not Yet, Pista is a true story that invites audiences to learn from the mistakes of the past, to treasure their families, and to treat others with love and kindness. The reminder that the Holocaust is a real event that happened to real people is meaningful and gives those who attend a determination to do better than people have done in the past. Nasser tells his story “not to ask for pity or retribution, but to tell the truth that could allow us to save ourselves from ourselves.” Due to the serious subject matter, this show is recommended for ages twelve and up. I think it is a great opportunity for learning and discussion in our families. This is a production that is worth spending an evening on, so find your way to Draper Historic Theater, and “don’t let them forget.”
Lamplight Theatre Company presents Not Yet, Pista By Stephen “Pista” Nasser and Ann Tane Raskin.
Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 South 900 East, Draper, Utah, 84020
Mar 6-28, 2020, 7:00 PM. See site for specific dates.
Tickets: $11-15
Contact: 801-572-4144
www.drapertheatre.org
Lamplight Theatre Company Facebook Page
Not Yet, Pista Facebook Event
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