The Secret Poetess of Terezín
- Caitlyn Fox
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Lenka Lichtenberg's haunting voice fills the dimly lit stage as the audience filters into their seats with a singular light on the portrait of Lichtenberg's grandmother. The journey that Lichtenberg takes the audience on for the next hour is full of love as she recounts the life of her maternal grandmother, Hana, and her experiences in the concentration camp Terezín.
What is truly incredible about Lichtenberg's show, The Secret Poetess of Terezín, is how fluidly she glides in and out of all aspects of the performance, switching between English and Yiddish, singing and reciting poetry, telling stories and playing the piano. She seems to float around the stage as her ethereal voice envelops us.
It is a moving show full of powerful spoken word and music without ever feeling heavy, which is a feat considering the subject matter. Lichtenberg is at home on the stage. Her simple, grounded presence makes her feel like a guiding light for the audience through heartbreaking stories. The stories have a palpable intimacy, and the poetry shared is simply beautiful. It is an emotional tale of betrayal, perseverance, strength, and love. At the end of the show, Lichtenberg talks more about how finding the diaries has helped her form a new kind of connection with her grandmother. In her words, "I loved my grandmother but I realized I did not know her".
Lichtenberg's show shines a light on the private works of an incredible woman, revealing the art created out of and despite hardship—an important reminder to us about the power that art can have, connecting us through many generations.
Written, Performed, & Produced by Lenka Lichtenberg
Directed by Leah Cherniak
April 10, 2025
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March 18 through April 20, 2025
Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, NYC)
Caitlyn Fox (she/her/hers) is a Wichita-based actress, singer, writer, dancer, future clown, and all-around theatre enthusiast! She graduated from Friends University in December 2022 with University Honors and a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. From her nationally recognized senior recital to her international training at Accademia dell'Arte in Arezzo, Italy, Caitlyn always strives to bring a level of authenticity to her work both behind the table and on stage. She is very excited to be part of her first United Solo season as a Festival Representative and Reviewer. www.caitlynbfox.com
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