By Joel A Moskowitz M D
LA JOLLA, California — Claudia Stevens, a multi-talented actress, singer, drummer, and historian brought to life “Madame F” on Monday evening, Nov. 26, at the Recital Hall of Mandeville Auditorium UCSD.
Madame F is the abbreviated name for Fanja Fanelson (Goldstein) who was an award winning pianist. While she attended the Conservatoire de Paris, she sang in bars. With the advent of WWII, she used her familiarity with the inebriated Nazi soldiers to provide information to the French Resistance. Sadly she was arrested and wound up in Auschwitz. Her musical abilities were her passport to ‘life’. Albeit as a member of the woman’s orchestra doomed to entertain the murderous Nazi guards. Ever on their beck and call, the orchestra members who were privileged to have a toilet, might be compelled to have three arduous performances per day. And many other indeciencies.
Claudia Stevens portrayed Madame F with drama, vocal expertise, and storyline. The audience of about 50 persons was mesmerized. Speaking with a French accent, and accenting the horrible tale, Stevens, punctuated the story in a high soprano aria. She even demonstrated expertise with the drums – demanded of Fanja by the ogres who held her prisoner, the Nazis. Madame F survived Auschwitz barely: she was racked with typhus and was cachetic.
Ultimately, Madame F wrote of her experiences as a ‘guest’ of the Nazis. Her remarks were disputed by some of her fellow inmates – complaining about her version of their sordid behaviors (e.g. prostitution ). Arthur Miller crafted her story in Playing for Time. When the choice was Vanessa Redgrave to play her, Madame F objected to the PLO sympathizer. Regrettably, Madame F did not prevail.
Actor Claudia Stevens sympathetically dramatizes the ethical conflicts, and the struggle for life with which undoubtedly many Auschwitz inmates/victims battled. What would you do?
Those who were fortunate to see and hear this gripping show are indebted to the UCSD Music Department and The Holocaust Living History Workshop which sponsored the performance.
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Dr. Moskowitz is a freelance writer based in La Jolla. He may be contacted at joel.moskowitz@sdjewishworld.com