"Adieu Monsieur Haffmann" follows jeweller Joseph Haffmann as he hides in his own cellar to escape Nazi arrest, transferring control of his business to his employee, Pierre. The narrative deftly intertwines humor with the somber backdrop of antisemitism and brutality, highlighted by radio broadcasts that reflect society's normalization of violence against Jews. Pierre's unusual conditions for helping Joseph add tension and complexity to their relationship, leading the audience through a gripping, claustrophobic tale that resonates disturbingly with contemporary issues. The performances by Waldmann, Fox, and others enhance the emotional stakes of this poignant narrative set against WWII France.
The gripping narrative unfolds in a claustrophobic cellar, juxtaposing the dark realities of anti-Semitism during WWII with an unexpected thread of farcical humor, offering both tension and release.
Through radio broadcasts, the chilling normalization of brutality and antisemitism is palpable, revealing France’s self-inflicted wounds as they blame the Jewish community for the war.
Waldmann and Fox exhibit remarkable performances, portraying the harrowing conditions of occupation with humor and sensitivity, ultimately making the play disturbingly relevant to contemporary issues.
The complex arrangement between Joseph and Pierre—highlighted by a bizarre condition—serves as a metaphor for survival tactics amid the oppressive climate of war.
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