American Hebrew Academy Student Rachel Makary of Pittsburgh Stars in Powerful Drama

Related Media

Makary1

GREENSBORO, NC (11/05/2010)(readMedia)-- For two special nights in October, students of the American Hebrew Academy provided the Greensboro community with a very moving theatre experience as they performed the drama I Never Saw Another Butterfly by Celeste Raspanti. The one-act play was developed by Raspanti as a reflection of the collection of art and poetry created by Jewish children who lived in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp during World War II.

The narrative follows the trials of a young girl named Raja Englanderova as she struggles to find a ray of hope beyond her dreary circumstances inside the camp. Miraculously, Raja, played beautifully by Academy freshman Rachel Makary of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, survives in Theresienstadt long enough to see its liberation, although the majority of the children there were not so fortunate.

Under the strong and sensitive direction of the Academy's drama teacher Pauline Cobrda, this piece was tackled with incredible grace. The audience was rescued from the seemingly hopeless circumstances facing the Jews during that time by the strength of character exhibited by Raja and her acquaintances, friends and family. To help her actors get in touch with the materiel, Cobrda made sure to discuss the Holocaust with them, and even spent a rehearsal day having the students read the poems from the book I Never Saw Another Butterfly. These poems, written by the children of Theresienstadt during one of the darkest times in history, gave the students a wealth of first-hand insight into their characters' lives. It was clear that their writing helped them survive the horrendous living conditions.

The gravity of the play was apparent to Makary, who had to express a wide range of deep, and sometimes dark, emotions. "I was affected a lot by this play. It made me think a lot about the Holocaust," Makary explained. "I would put myself in Raja's situation and think about what I would have done. It is incredible that she survived."

Butterfly is actually the first play that Makary has ever been involved in, which makes her performance all the more impressive. Makary's character, Raja, is essentially on stage for the duration of this hour-long piece. But with the dedication of her director, and the hard work of the cast and crew, Makary was able to shine, and the show's run was a resounding success. "I think the show turned out great. I was really satisfied," Makary reflected. But considering the seriousness of the play and the significance of its subject matter, Makary kept sight of what was really important. "We told the story of Raja and that is what matters."

###

About the American Hebrew Academy

The American Hebrew Academy, America's premier Jewish pluralistic college prep boarding school serves students from 28 states and 13 countries. The state-of-the-art environment fosters academic achievement and strengthens Jewish identity in a residential setting for motivated and high achieving students in grades nine through twelve. The dual curriculum, along with the aquatics center and sports complex, provides a holistic educational experience-nurturing mind, body, and soul. An internationally acclaimed faculty challenges students to excel in a rigorous program that includes Advanced Placement and Jewish studies courses. At the Academy, values and leadership skills are enriched by the culture, customs, and history of the Jewish people. Students graduate thoroughly prepared for college and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. For more information about the Academy, please visit www.americanhebrewacademy.org.