Before the readers took their seats, a disclaimer set the tone for the night, preparing the audience for the recounting of one of the most gut-wrenching times in human history.
Play Reading Kenya, curated by Esther Kamba and Joseph Obel, brought Peter Weiss’ The Investigation to life at the Goethe-Institut. Translated from German to English, the docuplay features witness testimonies from the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials of 1963–1965.
Contrary to previous play readings, The Investigation didn’t rely on dramatized verbal tone to deliver impact, despite having a commendable cast. The depiction of such an inhumane nature sent shivers down the spine. Personally, revisiting the ideologies behind what happened and knowing that some are still worn as badges of honor today is a reality I truly fear.
The above realization was amplified by a comment during a Q&A session that stayed with me until I sat at my keyboard: the hyper-normalization of violence. Similar events, even if not on the same scale, happen in countries like Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Haiti, and many others. If you look deeper, it’s not just for five years or less but for decades. Yet, we—including myself—might think it can’t happen to us. It took one man to lead an empire built on hate, and sadly, that same hate still exists among some of the world’s most powerful. My point is, it doesn’t matter that we are miles away from the country where these events occurred; what matters is that these events have much to teach us. They are a call for everyone to identify the cracks and raise their voices before a collapse. As Martin Niemöller, a German pastor and Auschwitz survivor, revealed;
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” —Martin Niemöller
The Investigation is a piece that fills every corner of your mind with the question: What can I do? Beyond the anger and frustration, what can I do to ensure we don’t reach or get even closer to such a place? It is a testament to the power of art in showing all as it was and is, warning, and dismantling ideologies that threaten humanity.
To book exclusive events with a TICKETING PARTNER, check out Sanaapost Tickets 😎👊🏾
