Here Rests the Heart

This play was inspired by several things: dating back to 2012, I took several trips to Poland, exploring both the theater and the country itself. I became enamored with Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow and heartbroken by Auschwitz and the complicated relationships the Polish people have with their history. Prompted by these trips I began to explore my own cultural history and on one trip in particular I was able to...
This play was inspired by several things: dating back to 2012, I took several trips to Poland, exploring both the theater and the country itself. I became enamored with Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Krakow and heartbroken by Auschwitz and the complicated relationships the Polish people have with their history. Prompted by these trips I began to explore my own cultural history and on one trip in particular I was able to connect with a distant Polish cousin who shared with me some genealogy research she had done. This play, set in the context of the current political climates of Poland and the U.S.A., is my attempt to reconcile my present with my past while trying to find the place art occupies in times when society seems to be struggling for its essential survival.

| Full length play |

A play about the value of family and friendships and finding your voice in a time of turmoil.

The surprising death of his estranged father, and Freddie’s many strained relationships, prompt him to travel to Poland to meet his long lost cousin Tekle and finish the genealogy research his father was never able to complete.

The uncovering of family secrets during the Holocaust, has him rethinking his life, relationships, and purpose in the world.

"Here Rests the Heart" challenges us to find our voices and account for what matters most in the world, and calls us to take action with what precious little time we get to live.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Here Rests the Heart

Recommended by

  • Samantha Marchant:
    15 Feb. 2022
    I loved reading this play and I want to see it! Polak weaves parallels between time and space with ease. The protest moments at the beginning and end are striking bookends. I'm so into the use of ghosts and Chopin's monologue. Act II is such a powerful interlude. I so appreciate the musings on time and action. I dig how many characters get to have intimate moments. Highly recommend!
  • Cheryl Bear:
    17 Jun. 2021
    A powerful story of going through one's genealogy and uncovering the secrets that have much to reveal about life and purpose. Incredibly moving and well done.
  • Lainie Vansant:
    16 Jan. 2020
    This is a fascinating, multi-layered, and personal piece about family history and taking action. It also includes a thoughtful and complex look at activism and cultural diversity in the United States. Give it a read and a good ponder.

Awards

Finalist
,
Pegasus PlayLab
,
University of Central Florida
,
2020