Based on the novel of the same name by Amherst-based writer Ilan Stavans, The Disappearance follows the post-Holocaust story of a Belgian actor's struggle for identity. The story and sets transport the viewer from places like the National Theatre to the Amsterdam sewers and even into the realm of dreams, portraying the complexity and, often, pure absurdity of things like assimilation, oppression and anti-semitism.
The play, directed by Stacy Klein, stars members of the Double Edge Theatre Ensemble and makes use of set design by Michal Kuriata, lighting design by Matthew Glassman and puppets created by Hayley Wood. Klein, the Ensemble and Stavans host a post-performance discussion for those interested in further understanding the nature of the work and the questions it raises about identity and society.
March 20-22, 27-29, 7:30 p.m., March 22 also at 2 p.m., $12/students and seniors, $15/general (group rates available), Double Edge Theatre, 948 Conway Rd., Ashfield, (413) 628-0277, www.doubleedgetheatre.org.
