Susan Stein's Adaptation Of The Diary Of Esther Hillesum

In Susan Stein’s adaptation of the diary of Esther Hillesum, the play brings us to 1941 when Etty, a young Dutch Jewish woman, is living in German-occupied Amsterdam. As per her therapist’s request, Etty begins a diary to assist in recovering from her depression. Hoping to become a writer and poet, the diary is a way for Etty to practice her writing skills while still documenting the terrors of World War II. As written in a diary by Yitskhov Rudashevski, “…I consider that everything should be recorded and noted down, even the most gory, because everything will be taken into account.” This quote is a wonderful example of how those who kept diaries believed they would be used in the future. Even if Etty was not a natural poet, her writing
As her story progressed, she desired more and more to become a poet. Etty constantly critiqued her writing and complained that she did not have the skill set to become the being she so wanted. This struggle in her writing was a part of the story that most resonated with me. I also believe that I never am able to live up to the high standards that I have set for myself, not just in writing, but in all aspects of my life. The line that separates us from here is that Etty accepts that she will never be a poet, while I am driven to never stop trying to mold myself into the person I desire to be. The next example that struck me as familiar was her passion to eradicate all hate in herself, and persevere with an optimistic attitude. I, myself, am not nearly as devoted to defeating the hate inside of me as Etty, but one of the people I look up to most is. Every day my aunt, Sherri Ribera, sends me messages about living a life of optimism and never judging or loathing another human. Her beliefs spawn from her deep connection with God and Christianity, just like Etty’s beliefs and feelings bred from her Jewish religion. This is one of the main lessons that I have taken away from the play Etty. That almost all religions derive from optimism, perseverance, and respect. Stein has taught me that no matter your religion, we all can relate on these three
A Jew who was offered a hiding place not only risks his own life but also the life of others. In contrast, not retreating into hiding had similar effects; you and your family would be sent to a concentration camp and likely perish in the insalubrious conditions. There is no possible way that we can judge the Holocaust victims by their actions, due to the preposterous dilemma that they faced. I like to think that I have learned much about myself and my peers through the play Etty. Similarities between Esther and myself have pushed me to not give up, as Etty did, and that positivity and determination will always outweigh odium and evil. Stein and Etty also showed me the similarities and bonds that all religions hold. How no matter our faith, we may all find similarities between ourselves. These lessons and teachings are ones that I will not be able to ignore in the future, despite the division between religions today. In the future, I will not give in to the hate that our society is shrouded in, and that many are blinded from. In the future, I will remember