Brookfield Actresses in Acacia Theatre's "The Hiding Place"

Brookfield actresses, Maura Atwood and Jennifer Vosters, perform in Acacia Theatre Company’s “The Hiding Place,” a newly revised adaptation by Bradley Winkler from the book by John and Elizabeth Sherrill. In wartime Holland, the ten Boom family take part in the anti-Nazi resistance by quietly sheltering Jewish refugees in their small house – until their “hiding place” is discovered. The play is the remarkable true story of Corrie and Betsie ten Boom and their courage, endurance and hope in the face of injustice. The production is directed by Therese Goode.

Actress Maura Atwood said preparing for the play was challenging, but not because of the research. “There is a wealth of information available about World War II and the Holocaust. It is difficult to portray characters who are going through what we do not fully comprehend.”

Vosters agrees. She says, “It's always difficult to confront the reality of the Holocaust. Placing yourself intimately in that period by playing individuals who lived through it can be uncomfortable and scary, to say the least. Whenever you engage with the Holocaust, you confront the very worst of humanity, and finding that within yourself is a tough task. But it's an important one, and it's important for the audience to go on that journey with us.”

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“I think stories about radical forgiveness are both rare and vitally important, now more than ever. This play engages with the tension between pain and mercy, a place we all find ourselves in at some point or another,” says Vosters.

Maura adds, “What matters most is forgiveness when it is seemingly impossible. We live in a world where bitterness is present everywhere, and often because of insignificant things. What I take from this show is that God is greater than all things.”

“This story is true, and powerful,” said Maura. “We are telling it in a way that blends naturalism with abstraction: I'm very excited about what we've been creating.”

The performances will be given in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, Wis. Acacia Theatre is honored to welcome Dr. Shay Pilnik, Executive Director of the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, to participate in a talkback at the closing performance. The playwright, Brad Winkler, will participate during the second weekend.

Performances

Fri., March 16 at 7:30 PM; Sat., March 17 at 7:30 PM; Sun., March 18 at 3:00 PM; Thurs., March 22 at 7:30 PM; Fri., March 23 at 7:30 PM; Sat., March 24 at 4:00 PM; Sun., March 25 at 3:00 PM.

Single Ticket Information

The single ticket prices for the season are $16 for adults, and $13 for seniors, full-time students, and full-time clergy. More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com.

About Acacia Theatre Company

Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.

Ben Yela, Jennifer Vosters, Maura Atwood in rehearsal for “The Hiding Place”
Photo: Ben Parman