At a time when war rages in Europe, a play written by Dmitry Glukhovsky and directed by Maxim Didenko – both political exiles from Russia about the things that people can be forced to do seems timely.
The White Factory tells the story of the Kaufman family living in the Lodz Ghetto in Poland under Nazi occupation from 1938 onwards. The family of five are the heart of the story, husband and wife Yosef and Rivka, grandfather Ezekiel and boys Hermann and Volf. Initially in the wrong place and forced to translate, Yosef is forced to give up all he believes and take increasingly desperate action in efforts to keep his family safe. The horror that it takes to survive such a horror.
Adrian Schiller is exceptional as Jewish Elder Chaim Rumkowski, appointed to run the city by the SS, forced to collaborate with the Nazis. Deciding that becoming essential, working, and manufacturing will keep his people safe, he takes this to the fullest extent possible. Every building becomes a workplace, the church where pillows are stuffed becomes known as The White Factory. Rumkowski is no saint, demanding sexual favours from women for jobs or to keep their families safe. A speech asking for the elderly and children to be handed over for deportation in order to keep everyone else alive is spectacularly delivered and all the more horrific for being the real Rumkowski’s own words. Looking back and looking at the current world now, can you trust anything a tyrant promises?
James Garnon as SS Commander Koppe gives a stunning portrayal of an absolute monster – utter disdain along with practicality and a matter-of-fact attitude and at times almost jovial.
Initially shown on a blank stage with white walls, the staging moves slides, an on-stage camera operator, projecting scenes to the white backdrop is reminiscent of Ivo Van Hove and works very well. The footage is black and white and with just enough of a filter to draw inference to actual footage. Meticulously planned shots work exceptionally well in the moments where the backdrop is split into sections, excellent work from Lewis Hart operating the camera. Blood covers the walls and ashes line the stage – the deaths of so many symbolised as surrounding Kaufman and Rumkowski as they make their desperate attempts to survive.
A green screen is used alongside the camera, as the young children are told stories at bedtime and later to keep them calm, stories of being protected and of safety from horror and evil. These are just stories, no different than the stories that Kaufamn tells himself and his family as he rounds up children for deportation. No different than the stories Rumkowski tells of the deals he has made and the trust he has for the Nazis. Stories can’t save us.
However, stories like The White Factory can remind us of horrific events, they can also show how some horrors repeat and warn of the dangers of tyranny and the danger of burying our heads in the sand. An all around excellent cast with strong direction and a clear understanding and dedication to this story makes this a powerful night of theatre.
Playing until 4th November, https://www.marylebonetheatre.com/productions/the-white-factory
Reviewer: Dave Smith
Reviewed: 21st September 2023
North West End UK Rating: