Jewish Theater Collaborative, Oregon Jewish Museum and the German American
Society jointly present: Charlotte Salomon: Life? Or Theater? A Multi-Media Performance

February 14-15, 2009, West End Theatre, 1220 SW Taylor St - Portland, OR 97203
Performances: Saturday, February 14, 8PM
Sunday, February 15, 2 PM and 7 PM
Opening Night Pre-show Reception February 14, 7:00-7:30 PM

By RSVP only to
For more information or to purchase tickets
Contact Oregon Jewish Museum
503.226-3600, http://www.ojm.org
Jewish Theatre Collaborative, co-sponsored by the Oregon Jewish
Museum and the German American Society presents Charlotte
Salomon: Life? Or Theater? This unusual theatrical experience – a
staging of a 1930s graphic novel by German expressionist painter,
Charlotte Salomon, set to music is directed by Sacha Reich.
In 1941, Charlotte Salomon put her remarkable work into the
hands of a neighbor in southern France and said “Keep this safe,
it’s my entire life.” Two years later, at age 26, Charlotte Salomon
was killed upon arrival at Auschwitz October, but her story lives
still through her art as it survived her.
Set again the historical backdrop of the rise of the Third Reich
“Life? Or Theatre? is the story of a young girl striving to find her
voice as an artist,” says director Sacha Reich. “At age 24, Charlotte
worked day and night painting – an average of 3 paintings a day.
Charlotte Salomon’s art was the means of her survival.”
JTC will bring Charlotte’s story to life on the stage, using
projections of Salomon’s paintings, performers, live and recorded
music. Salomon indicates music throughout the work and the
performance will include a range of music from classical pieces like
Schubert’s Lieder (selected as inspirations by Salomon herself at
the time of her painting) to modern chansons composed especially
for this occasion.
The cast includes Drammy award winner Michele Mariana and
critically acclaimed singer, Cantor Ida Rae Cahana. The production
is realized by a talented and award winning team of designers
including Peter West, Rody Ortega, Mark Loring and Sara Gahagan.
Themes and issues raised by the plays will be explored with the
audience in a facilitated discussion.
This performance is made possible by a generous grant from the
Regional Arts and Culture Council.
Tickets available through Oregon Jewish Museum: http://www.ojm.org