Ms Marcus

I had the opportunity to meet Inge Marcus, a German-Jewish woman born in 1922 who narrowly escaped persecution when she managed to flee the country in 1939. She shared cake, tea, time, her dining room, and her story with us, and I hope to someday share it with you. Her story captivated me, and here is a letter thats speaks to my experience with her...which I hope is only the beginning of a journey of my own.

Dear Ms Marcus,

When you opened your home to me, a curious young storyteller, you opened not only your door, but your heart and mind. This has, in turn, opened my eyes. The story you have painted to me is full of rich strokes, bright colors and fine details. Its subject is a beautiful, kind, and supremely intelligent woman who takes great pride and joy not only in her story but also in sharing it. The subject of this story is you.

If I could tell your story today I would speak of a young German girl who loves to perform and works hard in school. This young girl grows into a young woman who is excited to be traveling to England by airplane, frightened by leaving her country and family in a time when uncertainty abounds, and confused by the customs of her new acquaintances upon her arrival. She goes on to become a brave and skilled nurse and makes such strong connections with her colleagues and friends that their bonds inspire the relationships of their parents still subject to scrutiny back in there home country. This delightful young woman is put to the ultimate test--and perhaps forced to grow up--when she and her friends no longer receive letters from their families. She always hopes for the best however, and continues in her efforts to support herself and immerse herself in every opportunity afforded her. This woman falls in love with London, New York, Paris, and a handsome young man. In her wedding photo her blushing young face is hidden behind her supple bouquet and her husbands eyes are closed as if he can barely contain his overwhelming joy and endless love for his new partner. When the happy couple returns to Berlin, they bravely face a city destroyed by war and torn apart by an unimaginable evil force that they each slowly begin to understand. They are met with kindness nonetheless, and when the young bride finds a vacant apartment to her liking, the two are fortunate enough to be the proud owners of a new home. They go on to make a home, children, and a life for themselves. She acknowledges the importance of her past, faith, and her family's tradition and dedicates her time to a women's society for the Jewish faith. After many years, her efforts lead the organization to global recognition and acceptance that was no easy task to acquire. Her fascinating life and story continues today through her many children and grandchildren living on multiple continents.

As you can tell, my details are nowhere near as explicit as yours; it is, after all, your story. I am fascinated by the earnestness with which you explain your life. Not once bitter, resentful, or victimizing, your story is one of perseverance, adventure, and inspiration despite the conflicts of the time.

I would like to tell your story. My passion is bringing stories to the stage. I create art, and more specifically I create theater. Your story is already beautifully theatricalized in your articulate and passionate telling, and I only hope to someday be a part of bringing the feelings and emotions you awoke in me to an audience in a way that is as impactful, humble, and fascinating as you are yourself. Whether I am able to meet you again or not, you will forever be in my thoughts and, perhaps, in my work.

With my most humble thanks, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about you and your experiences,

Christopher Bowser