Primo and Dependent Clauses Word from: menachem

We have not been kicked off yet, so we figure we'd better repost.
David wrote below, "Primo: I refuse to discuss this Broadway play in a glib way, especially as it has been given the most respectful reviews from the likes of NPR. Leave it at this: Primo Levi. 'If This Is A Man'. Sir Anthony Sher. Playing through August 7th. Seeing this production or reading the book on which it is based is a must." Right he is, as usual.
We saw the play last Sunday, and here is the scoop.
Primo tells Italian engineer, Primo Levi's tale of the Holocaust. I haven't thought everything through yet (it will be in the Jewish Press a few weeks from now), but here is what I have so far:
The script begins with long, intellectual sentences with many dependent clauses. It slowly changes to shorter, more active sentences, and eventually language that is almost silent. This attempt to find a grammar that can arrive at a useful tool for approximating the Holocaust is fascinating. Goodbye questions of art after Auschwitz, this play really left me stunned at its ability to find a Holocaust language. The set design, acting and lighting were nothing worth speaking of, particularly, but that script was amazing.
Finally, the play raises two fascinating points.
1. Sher talks of blame. He says he blames the Nazi who wiped his soiled hands on Primo's jacket. There is much to be said for this concept.
2. Sher says were he God, he would spit upon the prayer of a man praying in Auschwitz, who is happy now to be alive after a notorious "selection," though he is sure to fail the next test. This issue of prayer in Auschwitz is also fruitful.
More later...