Theater critic provided just the right words for a fan to describe 'Here There Are Blueberries'

Los Angeles Times - Mar 22nd, 2025

The recent production of “Here There Are Blueberries” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts left audiences awestruck with its profound portrayal of the Nazis' banality during their time at Auschwitz. The play, inspired by a photograph of Nazis eating blueberries, was brought to life by playwrights Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich. It employed a unique combination of found photographs and powerful stage performances to challenge viewers with deep historical lessons and questions about the nature of evil. The performance's impact was so significant that it led audience members, such as Nancy Levinson of Los Angeles, to share their experiences and reflections through letters to editors and discussions with friends.

The play’s exploration of the everyday normalcy amidst horrific acts provides a stark reminder of the duality of human nature. This artistic endeavor underscores the importance of reflecting on history to understand how ordinary individuals can become complicit in atrocities. The work of Charles McNulty, who wrote an insightful article on the production, further enriched the conversation by offering a detailed account of the play’s background and its creators’ inspiration. This production not only serves as a poignant reminder of historical atrocities but also invites a broader discussion on morality and the human capacity for both good and evil.

Auschwitz Here There Are Blueberries Wallis Annenberg Center Moisés Kaufman Amanda Gronich Holocaust Nazis Charles Mc Nulty Theater Art And History

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a personal and emotional recounting of a theater experience, highlighting the play 'Here There Are Blueberries' and its impact on the viewer. Its strengths lie in its clarity and ability to convey a genuine reaction, supported by a reference to a respected theater critic. However, the piece is limited by its narrow focus on a single perspective and the lack of broader context or diverse viewpoints. While it touches on significant themes, such as the banality of evil, it does not fully explore their implications or engage with potential controversies. The article's impact and engagement are moderate, appealing primarily to those interested in theater and historical representation. Overall, it offers a clear and readable account but could benefit from additional context and verification to enhance its accuracy and public interest.

Accuracy

The story presents a factual account of a theater production called 'Here There Are Blueberries' and its reception. The key facts, such as the venue being the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and the play's themes, align with available information. The mention of the play exploring the banality of evil and its presentation through found photographs is consistent with the known production elements. However, the story references an article by Charles McNulty without providing direct verification, which requires further confirmation for full accuracy. Overall, the core details appear truthful and precise, with minor areas needing additional verification.

Balance

The article primarily presents the perspective of a single individual, Nancy Levinson, who praises both the play and Charles McNulty's article. This focus results in a lack of diverse viewpoints, as it does not include other audience reactions or any potential criticisms of the play. While it effectively conveys Levinson's admiration, it omits any contrasting opinions or broader analysis of the play's reception. The piece could benefit from a more balanced representation of perspectives to provide a fuller picture of the play's impact and reception.

Clarity

The story is clearly written, with a straightforward narrative that conveys Nancy Levinson's emotional response to the play. The language is accessible, and the structure logically follows her experience from watching the play to finding McNulty's article helpful. The tone is neutral, focusing on Levinson's personal reaction without introducing bias. However, the piece could benefit from additional context or background information to enhance understanding for readers unfamiliar with the play or its themes.

Source quality

The story is based on a letter from a reader, Nancy Levinson, which inherently limits the source variety and authority. The mention of Charles McNulty's article adds a layer of credibility, as he is a recognized theater critic. However, the story does not provide direct quotes or references from McNulty's article, which would strengthen the source quality. While the reader's perspective is genuine, the reliance on a single viewpoint and the lack of additional authoritative sources slightly diminish the overall reliability.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of providing context or methodology for the claims made. It does not offer detailed information about how the play's themes were explored or how the photographs were used in the production. Additionally, while it mentions an article by Charles McNulty, it does not provide a link or detailed summary of its content. The lack of these elements makes it difficult for readers to fully understand the basis of the claims or assess their validity independently.