ABSTRACT
This chapter talks about coping with violence with a specific perspective that embraces the arts, as espoused in Bernstein's quote, as a means of speaking, even shouting out, as an artist. The writings of three women of courage, survivors of the Holocaust, who possessed an amazing depth of spirit, as an affirmation of faith in the triumph of the mind and the arts, were explored as readings for remembrance, reminder, and inspiration. The chapter charts and explores the possibilities afforded by theatre in concert with music, to generate empathic responses, and, ultimately, to precipitate thinking and action from audiences regarding specific situations of violence against women during the Holocaust. It is presented with a hopeful and cautionary outlook about the importance of rebellion against oppression and violence against women, alongside a reminder about the potent power of the arts. Specific emotions were identified in a given number of menu included strong responses in compassion, empathy, inspiration, anger, appreciation.
