The Pianist-Audience Guide

Sponsored by The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation

About Władysław Szpilman

continued to compose music, including hundreds of songs and many orchestral pieces.

Władysław Szpilman — a Polish pianist and composer. — is the author of the memoir “The Pianist”, on which this play is based. He was born December 5th, 1911 and died July 6th, 2000.

Born in Sosnowiec, Poland, Szpilman exhibited prodigious musical talent from a young age. He studied music at music academies in Berlin and Warsaw, quickly gained recognition for his exceptional piano skills, captivated audiences with his performances, and became a popular performer on Polish radio.

However, Szpilman’s life took a tragic turn with the onset of World War II and the Nazi occupation of Poland. Confined within the Warsaw Ghetto after the German invasion of Poland, Szpilman spent two years in hiding. After World War II, Szpilman resumed his career on Polish radio and

Szpilman contributed to Poland’s cultural revival after the war, working with various orchestras and continued performing internationally. His life story not only shed light on the atrocities of the Holocaust but also served as a testament to the power of art and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Władysław Szpilman’s legacy remains an inspiration, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit to overcome even the darkest of times.

“Humanity seems doomed to do more evil than good.

The greatest ideal on earth is human love.”

— The Pianist (Memoir)

About Emily Mann

Emily Mann is an American theater artist known for her impactful contributions as a playwright, director, and artistic leader. Mann grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and her career has been marked by her dedication to social and political themes and her commitment to using theater as a platform for promoting dialogue and change.

Mann is renowned for her thoughtprovoking plays that tackle complex subjects such as gender, race, history, and human relationships. Her works often highlight the voices of women and marginalized communities, shedding light on their experiences and struggles.

Emily Mann is a Tony nominated director and playwright and a Tony winning Artistic Director. In her 30 years as Artistic Director and Resident Playwright at McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, she wrote 15 new plays and adaptations, directed over 50 productions, produced 180 plays and musicals, and supported and directed the work of emerging and legendary playwrights including Ntozake Shange, Athol Fugard,

Edward Albee, Christopher Durang, Nilio Crus, Joyce Carol Oates, Tarell Alvin McCraney and Danai Gurira and is known for her productions of Williams, Lorca, Chekhov, and Shakespeare. On Broadway, she directed her own plays Execution of Justice and Having Our Say, Nilo Cruz’s Anna in the Tropics and A Streetcar Named Desire. Her other plays include: Still Life; Annulla, An Autobiography; Greensboro (A Requiem); Meshugah; Mrs. Packard, and Gloria: A Life which aired on PBS’ Great Performances. Her adaptations include: Baby Doll, Scnenes from a Marriage, Uncle Vanya, The Cherry Orchard, A Segull in the Hamptons, The House of Bermarda Alba, and Antigone. She recently premiered On Cedar Street, a new musical cowritten with Lucy Simon, Carmel Dean and Susan Birkenhead. Awards incle: Peabody, Guggenheim, Hull Warriner, NAACP, 6 Obies; Drama Desk, Outer Crtics Circle, WGA nominattions; Princeton University Honory Doctorate of Arts; Helen Merrill Distinguished Playwrights’ Award; Margo Jones Award; TCG Visionary Leadership Award; The Lilly Award. and Gordon Davidson Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater. She has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

With a remarkable ability to merge art and activism, Emily Mann has illuminated the power of theater to provoke thought, evoke emotion, and incite positive change. Her dedication to using storytelling as a catalyst for conversations on social justice has cemented her legacy as a trailblazing theater artist who continues to inspire audiences and creators alike.

Story Overview

“The Pianist” is a memoir written by Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist, composer, and Holocaust survivor. The book chronicles Szpilman’s harrowing experiences during World War II, including his survival in the Warsaw Ghetto and his subsequent hiding in various locations in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. The memoir provides a gripping firsthand account of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit. Published in 1946 in Polish, under the title “ mier miasta” (“Death of a City”), Szpilman’s memoir initially received limited attention due to postwar circumstances and the complexity of publishing in war-torn Poland. However, it would later gain international recognition as one of the most powerful testimonies of the Holocaust. The English translation, titled “The Pianist,” was published in 1999 after being

discovered by a German journalist, Wolf Biermann, in the ruins of Warsaw. The publication of the English version sparked renewed interest in Szpilman’s story.

The memoir resonated with readers around the world, offering a deeply personal perspective on the Holocaust and its devastating impact on individuals and communities.

Władysław Szpilman’s memoir remains a poignant and powerful account of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of music and art in the face of unimaginable adversity. It stands as a testament to the importance of bearing witness to history and remembering the atrocities of the past.

“Lying is the worst of all evils.

Everything else that is diabolical comes from it.”

— The Pianist (Memoir)

Daniel Donskoy as Władysław Szpilman (Photo by T. Charles Erickson)

Why Now: The Urgency of Presenting The Pianist

A recent survey by the Claims Conference (PRNewswire/ Sept. 16, 2020 ) shows the lessons of the Holocaust are in danger of being lost, even as the nation and the world are roiled by forceful waves of fascism and racial hatred.

•63% of adults aged 18-39 did not know 6 million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust.

•58% believe something like the Holocaust could happen again.

•56% said they had seen Nazi symbols on their social media platforms and/or in their communities, and 49% had seen Holocaust denial or distortion posts on social media or elsewhere online.

•48% could not name a single concentration camp or ghetto established during World War II.

•23% said they believed the Holocaust was a myth, or had been exaggerated, or they weren’t sure.

“This serves as a wake-up call to us all.”

— Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference.

At the same time as the lessons of the Holocaust are fading from public consciousness, we are confronted daily with headlines that show antisemitism and authoritarianism on the rise. To cite just a few:

•Neo-Nazi Groups Organizing Antisemitic ‘National Day of Hate,’ Police Warn

— Newsweek, February 24, 2023

•Report: Kanye’s Anti-Semitic Rhetoric Led to Assaults, Vandalism

— RollingStone, February 13, 2023

•“We’ve Never Seen Data Like This Before, Ever”: Antisemitic Incidents Hit All-Time High in 2021.

— The New York Times, April 29, 2022

•U.S. listed as a ‘backsliding’ democracy for first time in report by European think tank

— The Washington Post, November 22, 2021

In the face of a barrage of such frightening headlines, there is the good news that live theater can provide an antidote:

“Live theatre improves empathy, and leads to pro-social behavior”

—Journal of Experiment Social Psychology, July 2021

In this pioneering study, audience members reported feeling more empathy for the groups of people depicted in plays, and changed their attitudes about political issues related to the plays. And in addition, after seeing the plays, people donated more to charities both related and unrelated to the shows.

The Pianist, in particular, is a potent vehicle for sparking empathy and changing attitudes, as well as keeping the lessons of the Holocaust freshly alive and vividly conveyed to new generations.

It is the mission of the Producers and Creative Team to make The Pianist an unforgettable shared experience that will continue through the years to alert and alarm audiences, even as it inspires us with hope that the human spirit and humanity will triumph.

Art and Hope in Times of Tragedy

Throughout history, people have wondered how art can exist in times of great tragedy, but indeed this is when art can be most valuable. Art holds immense power to serve as a means of expression, healing, resistance, and remembrance and this is one of the major themes of “The Pianist”.

In the face of unexplainable cruelty, emotions can be overwhelming and difficult to articulate. Art provides a powerful outlet for individuals to express their pain, anger, sorrow, and hope in ways that words alone often cannot capture. Through visual arts, literature, music, and other creative forms, people can convey their complex emotions and connect with others who share similar experiences. Artistic expression is also often used as a tool of resistance against oppression. Artists use their work to challenge injustices, advocate for change, and give voice to the marginalized. Art has the ability to amplify the stories of those who have

— Bertolt Brecht

been silenced and to inspire collective action against systems of cruelty and discrimination.

Post-conflict, art is often used to help provide a therapeutic release and offer a sense of catharsis. Both creators and audiences can find solace and comfort in art’s ability to reflect their experiences and emotions. Art allows individuals to process trauma, find validation for their feelings, and embark on a journey toward healing and recovery.

Perhaps most importantly, art plays a crucial role in documenting history, especially during times of displacement and tragedy. It preserves individual stories, cultural heritage, and collective memory for future generations. Art captures the nuances of human experiences and provides a visual and emotional record of events, honoring those who suffered and ensuring that their stories are never forgotten.

“In the dark times, will there also be singing? Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times.”

Glossary of Selected Terms

Aryan - The term Aryan was perverted by Nazi ideology to refer to a supposed superior race, often associated with people of Northern European descent. The Nazis propagated the idea of Aryan supremacy, which was used to justify their racial policies and atrocities.

Bechstein Piano - A Bechstein Piano is a high-quality, prestigious brand of piano known for its exceptional craftsmanship and superior sound quality. The brand was established by Carl Bechstein in 1853 in Berlin, Germany. Bechstein pianos are considered some of the finest and most sought-after instruments in the world of classical music.

Chopin - Polish French composer and pianist of the 19th-century Romantic period

Ghetto - In the context of World War II, a ghetto refers to an area in a city where Jewish populations were forcibly confined by the Nazi regime. Ghettos were characterized by overcrowding, starvation, and disease, and were ultimately way stations to genocide. Epidemics including typhoid, were rampid in the dehumanizing conditions of the Nazi ghettos in occupied Poland.

The Nazis - The Nazis were members of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, led by Adolf Hitler. The Nazis were responsible for the rise of the Third Reich in Germany and the perpetration of numerous war crimes and atrocities during World War II, including the Holocaust.

The SS - The SS (Schutzstaffel) was a paramilitary organization under the Nazi Party. Originally established as Hitler’s personal bodyguard, the SS expanded into various roles, including security, intelligence, and running concentration camps.

Sonata - A sonata is a musical composition typically composed for a solo instrument, often the piano, or a small instrumental ensemble.

Star of David - The Star of David is a six-pointed star that is a symbol of Judaism. During World War II, Jews in Nazi-occupied territories were often required to wear a yellow Star of David as a means of identification and segregation. In Poland, it was a blue Star of David.

Swastika - a symbol in the form of a black cross with each arm bent clockwise at a right angle, used as the emblem of the German Nazi party.

Treblinka - Treblinka was an extermination camp operated by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. It was used primarily for mass murder through gassing and cremation, resulting in the deaths of one million Jews.

Typhoid Epidemic - A typhoid epidemic refers to the widespread outbreak of the infectious disease typhoid fever. Epidemics, including typhoid, were a concern in various regions during times of conflict due to disrupted infrastructure and living conditions.

War Profiteer - An individual or entity that makes significant financial gains from the conditions of war, often by supplying goods or services at inflated prices. During World War II, some individuals and businesses took advantage of the conflict for personal gain.

Resources

1933 Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party comes to power in Germany. The Nazis declare a national boycott of Jewish businesses on April 1 and expel Jews from all official posts and cultural enterprises (music, film, journalism, etc.).

1935 Nuremberg Laws deprive Jews of German citizenship and forbid marriage or any sexual relations between Jews and non-Jews.

1938 Kristallnacht (November 9): Nazi organized night of anti-Jewish riots. In the following months, Nazis close Jewish newspapers, expel Jewish children from public schools, ban Jews from museums, parks, and theaters, and transfer Jewish property to non-Jewish owners.

1939 August – Nazis sign a nonaggression pact with Soviet Russia.

September 1 – Nazi and Soviet invasion of Poland marks the beginning of World War II.

September 21 – Nazis draft a step by-step plan for the destruction of Polish Jews.

November – Nazis concentrate Jews from towns across Poland in the large cities.

December – Polish Jews ordered to wear a Star of David, prohibited use of public transportation, parks, and sidewalks, and required to provide two years of forced labor.

1940 April – Nazis invade Denmark and Norway.

May – Nazis invade Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France.

August – Nazis attack Great Britain.

October – Warsaw’s Jews forced into a Ghetto, eventually walled in with bricks, which houses nearly 500,000 in an area of approximately 200 city blocks. Hunger, disease, and Nazi raids begin killing thousands each week.

1941 June – Nazis break nonaggression pact and invade Soviet Russia. Killing squads, called Einsatzgruppen, follow the advance, executing Jews in all areas that come under Nazi control. By the end of October, 250,000 have been murdered.

October – Nazis construct death camps in Poland at Auschwitz, Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, Majdanek, and Treblinka for the mass execution of Jews, Gypsies, and other “undesirables.”

December – Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor draws U.S. into the war.

1942 January – Wannsee Conference launches the Nazis “Final Solution to the Jewish Question” – a secret plan to systematically exterminate all European Jews. Nazis begin transporting Jews from all occupied territories to the death camps in Poland.

1942 July – Warsaw’s Jews are transported by cattle car to the Treblinka death camp. By September more than 300,000 are gassed. Only those considered still fit for forced labor or able to find a safe hiding place avoid extermination.

Resources

1943 April – Warsaw Ghetto Uprising begins when Nazis arrive to deport the Jews still living there. Jewish fighters hold out against shelling and fire bombs until late May, when all but a handful are finally captured and executed.

September – the Ghetto is demolished. Similar uprisings occur in other Polish Ghettos and even in some death camps, but all such armed resistance is quickly crushed and followed by severe reprisals

1944 January – Soviets force a Nazi retreat at Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) and begin advancing on Nazi territory.

May – Nazi’s begin deporting Hungarian Jews to Poland’s death camps, the last national group slated for destruction.

June – D-Day invasion at Normandy; U.S. and British forces prepare to advance on Nazi territory.

July – Soviet troops liberate Majdanek death camp.

August – Warsaw Uprising: Polish fighters, Jewish and non-Jewish, hoping for support from nearby Soviet troops, fail to drive Nazis from Warsaw when the Soviets hold their positions.

1945 January – Soviets occupy Warsaw, where it is estimated that only 20 Jews still survive. Forced to retreat from Poland, Nazis organize death marches to evacuate Jews still held in death and work camps.

April – Adolf Hitler commits suicide after issuing a final directive: “Above all I charge the leaders of the nation...to merciless opposition to the universal poisoner of all peoples, international Jewry.”

May – Germany surrenders.

August – U.S. drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

September – Japan surrenders.

Source: LearningWorks

For a complete timeline of events please visit The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/timeline/holocaust

Dramaturgy for the George Street Playhouse World-Premiere of The Pianist, A Play with Music, was prepared by Jesse Cameron Alick. Jesse Cameron Alick is a dramaturg, producer, poet, playwright, essayist, artistic researcher and science fiction expert.