Süskind

Alex van Galen’s fascinating historical fiction, “Süskind,” is based on actual occurrences. The drama, which takes place in 1942 in Amsterdam under the Nazi occupation, centers on German-Jewish businessman Walter Süskind, who is appointed as the chairman of the Hollandsche Schouwburg. Süskind arranges, in a risky and audacious double game, with the Jewish Council to have Jewish citizens moved from the theater to Westerbork,

supposedly so they might find employment in Germany. But when he discovers their actual fate, he takes great risks to prevent a great number of youngsters from dying. The book explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and resiliency during one of the worst times in history.