LETTERS TO SALA TWO Programs Depicting ONE Woman�s Inspiring True-Life Story of Survival and Courage during the Holocaust

Stage Door Players and the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) are pleased to announce two programs revealing the extraordinary story of Sala Garncarz Kirschner’s survival and courage during the Holocaust. 

Stage Door Players and MJCCA present the Atlanta premiere of, the play, “LETTERS TO SALA,” running onstage April 23 – 27, 2014 at the MJCCA (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody). 

“LETTERS TO SALA: A YOUNG WOMAN’S LIFE IN NAZI LABOR CAMPS,” an exhibition, featuring a compelling collection of rare Holocaust-era letters and photographs on display April 6 – May 28, 2014 in the MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery, (5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody). 

For information, call Lora Sommer at 678.812.4078, or visit www.atlantajcc.org.

Stage Door Players and MJCCA Presents the Co-Production of “LETTERS TO SALA” 

From April 24 – 27, Stage Door Players and the MJCCA proudly present the Atlanta premier of the play LETTERS TO SALA, by Arlene Hutton. Currently celebrating the Ruby Anniversary Season of his award-winning theater company, Stage Door Players Producing Artistic Director Robert Egizio finds this intriguing true life drama the perfect project to co-produce with MJCCA’s Arts & Culture Department. 

The Play - “LETTERS TO SALA” 

Sala Garncarz was 16 years old in 1940 when she was sent from her home to Geppersdorf, a German forced labor camp. After liberation in 1945, she came to America as a war bride and never spoke of her wartime experience.  In 1991, on the eve of major surgery, the 67-year-old grandmother revealed more than 300 letters and photos, collected and hidden as she survived five years and seven Nazi labor camps.   

With dialogue taken directly from actual letters, the production features a stellar cast of Atlanta talent with Susan Shalhoub Larkin as Sala; Rachel Garner as Sala’s daughter, Ann; and Rachel Frawley as young Sala.  The Aurora Theatre’s Jaclyn Hofmann directs the Atlanta premiere. The production will feature a set design by Chuck Welcome, lights by J.D. Williams, and costume design by Anna Jenny.

The production opens Thurs., April 24 at 8:00 pm (a reduced-price preview precedes the opening night on Wednesday, April 23 at 8pm). This limited run continues with performances on Fri. April 25 at 12:00 noon; Sat. April 26 at 8:00 pm; and Sun. April 27 at 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $15-$27, with discounts for students, seniors, groups, MJCCA members, and SDP subscribers.  

The Exhibition - “LETTERS TO SALA: A YOUNG WOMAN’S LIFE IN NAZI LABOR CAMPS” 

In conjunction with the production, the MJCCA’s Katz Family Mainstreet Gallery will host the traveling exhibition of Sala Garncarz Kirschner’s letters and photographs, “LETTERS TO SALA: A YOUNG WOMAN’S LIFE IN NAZI LABOR CAMPS,” from April 10 – May 28, 2014.  “LETTERS TO SALA” is curated by Dr. Jill Vexler, and on loan from the New York Public Library and the French Children of the Holocaust Foundation.   

The exhibition is a graphic representation of Sala’s story told through her letters, postcards, photographs, and a diary from her years in the Nazi work camps, documents which she carefully hid in her barracks or sewed into her clothing. For Sala, the letters provided evidence that her world still existed outside the camps. Saving the letters became inextricably linked with preserving her own life.  

Scholars have declared this collection to be one of the great treasure troves of its kind.  As the letters pass from the Kirschner family to history, they are becoming the genesis of many creative and scholarly works. 

About Nazi Labor Camps

Sala’s story takes place against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Poland, the ghettoization of Jews, and their deportation to slave labor camps. In contrast to concentration or death camps, labor camps, which numbered in the thousands, were established to support and supply the Nazi regime. 

Sala’s Daughter, Ann Kirschner

Both the play and exhibition are inspired by Sala’s Gift: My Mother’s Holocaust Story (Simon and Schuster) by Ann Kirschner, daughter of Sala Garncarz Kirschner.

"My family and I are delighted that the public has the opportunity to experience my mother's incredible story of survival and courage," said Ann Kirschner. "When the world seemed entirely hostile, a young girl found refuge and hope in these remarkable letters written by her family and friends. Their words have now been preserved and made available in ways that will help future generations understand the lessons of the past."

About Stage Door Players

Now celebrating its 40th season, Stage Door Players is dedicated to bringing professional theatre to the Greater Metropolitan Atlanta area. With continued emphasis on quality productions, Stage Door Players is committed to expanding the theatrical knowledge and experience of both its audiences and the on stage talent. 

About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly-regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. From preschoolers and teens, to young adults and seniors – the MJCCA offers unique and engaging programs, events, and services for every member of the community. 

More Information about “LETTERS TO SALA” 

For information:          Kim Goodfriend, MJCCA: 678.812.4071, kim.goodfriend@atlantajcc.org.

                                    Robert Egizio, SDP: stagedoorplayers@bellsouth.net, 770-396-1726, ext 7

Media inquiries:           Lora Sommer, MJCCA Public Relations Manager at 678.812.4078, 

lora.sommer@atlantajcc.org.

Visit us on-line:            www.atlantajcc.org.

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