The Shocking Truth: Hitler’s Tasters and Parkland’s Holocaust Classroom – Uncovering Society’s Sins Through Off-Broadway Theater

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Society’s Sins Unveiled: A Glimpse into Humanity’s Darkest Depths through Off-Broadway Theater

Subtitle: Playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks Explores Taboo Topics and Unearths Startling Truths

by Michelle Kholos Brooks | November 13, 2023

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the off-Broadway theater scene, playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks delves into the depths of society’s sins and exposes uncomfortable truths. Known for her thought-provoking productions, Brooks uncovers the stories that demand to be told, shedding light on issues that often remain hidden in the shadows. From gun violence and military veterans to the exploitation of young women, Brooks fearlessly tackles subjects that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Brooks admits that her motivations for writing about such hard-hitting topics are not always driven by a desire to address societal ills directly. Instead, she finds inspiration in what she calls the “Wait…What?” moments. These moments occur when she stumbles upon an idea so baffling and incomprehensible that it compels her to delve deeper. It is in these instances that she realizes a burning question lies within, urging her to explore it further and share it with the world.

In her book “Big Magic,” Elizabeth Gilbert describes ideas as ethereal entities that seek attention until they find the right conduit for expression. Brooks echoes this sentiment, believing that if an idea presents itself, it is her duty to nurture and bring it to life through her unique perspective and experiences. Failing to embrace these ideas, she warns, could lead them to seek out someone else who is willing to give them the attention they deserve.

One such “Wait…What?” moment struck Brooks when she stumbled upon an article in 2014 about a 95-year-old German woman who had been conscripted as one of Adolf Hitler’s food tasters during World War II. The revelation that Hitler entrusted the testing of his food to young German women, rather than those he despised, left Brooks dumbfounded. This discovery became the catalyst for her play, “H*tler’s Tasters,” which explores the expendability of young women in society and the dangers of complacency.

Driven by her need to connect with others who shared her disbelief, Brooks embarked on extensive research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of her play. However, the urgency to tell the story became overwhelming, leading her to participate in a 48-hour playwriting challenge. In a whirlwind of creativity, she penned the initial draft of “H*tler’s Tasters,” blending historical events with modern elements to bridge the gap between past and present. The play’s resonance with the 2016 political climate, with echoes of authoritarian rhetoric and the sacrifice of those at the top, further solidified the relevance and impact of her work.

Brooks’s latest play, “Room 1214,” explores another shocking event that left society reeling. Inspired by her encounter with Ivy Schamis, a teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the play examines the aftermath of a tragic school shooting. Unbeknownst to many, the shooting occurred in the midst of a Holocaust history class, where students were studying hate crimes. The juxtaposition of these two heinous acts of violence compelled Brooks to explore the depths of human hatred and society’s tendency to brush off such atrocities with apathy.

In the face of existential doubts about the impact of her writing, Brooks recalls Kazuo Ishiguro’s words: “stories are about one person saying to another, ‘This is the way it feels to me. Can you understand what I’m saying? Does it also feel this way to you?'” She believes that the power of theater lies in its ability to create a collective experience where vulnerability reigns. As playwrights expose their work, actors bare their souls, and audiences open themselves up to uncomfortable truths, a unique connection is forged.

The theater becomes a sacred space where past, present, and future collide, and where society’s sins are laid bare. Within its walls, strangers unite in a shared experience, allowing themselves to confront the sins of the past and contemplate their implications for the future. In this intimate setting, where discomfort is embraced rather than avoided, the collective gasp of a “Wait…What?” moment reverberates, challenging society’s complacency and beckoning towards a more introspective and empathetic future.

In conclusion, Michelle Kholos Brooks’s unwavering commitment to exploring society’s sins through her off-Broadway productions has given audiences a unique opportunity to reflect on the darkest aspects of humanity. By embracing the “Wait…What?” moments and channeling them into powerful narratives, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths, fostering a collective understanding that has the potential to provoke change. Through the transformative power of theater, Brooks enables us to examine the sins of our past, recognize their impact on our present, and chart a course towards a more compassionate and inclusive future..