David Strathairn Embodies Humble War Hero In 'Remember This'

CHICAGO (Nov. 11, 2021) — A moving and informative portrait of a man’s life, “Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski” runs through Nov. 14 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Emmy winner David Strathairn movingly tackles the titular role as the real-life Polish courier who witnessed atrocities against the Jews during World War II.

Strathairn spends all 90 minutes of the production alone onstage, mastering a Polish accent and physically-demanding sequences. He single-handedly brings to life the challenges of living through World War II, and the unthinkable ugliness of the Holocaust. But it is the stories he tells, along with the emotion he and writers Derek Goldman and Clark Young imbue into the words, that will stay with audiences. It is a history lesson on the Allies’ initial ignorance of the Holocaust, but its moral message makes an even deeper impact.

“We need to remember our past and remember his moral courage,” Strathairn told WTTW at the start of the play’s run. “There are many lessons that can be taken from his life. We’re touching on a lot of them to inspire a lot of thought and discussion. It’s timely and timeless.”

It’s the first play back in The Yard at Shakespeare Theater in almost two years, and it’s a fitting return, with nearly a third of Polish Americans living in Chicago. The brief run is also timely, falling between the anniversary of Kristallnacht and Veterans Day.

Strathairn’s performance is one of many reasons to see “Remember This” before it leaves. He dominates the stage for the entire runtime, incisively embodying Karski and several characters he encountered in his prolific life. Karski’s personal struggles and deep faith are also laid bare, but even “Remember This” is not without moments of levity.

A post-show Q&A with Goldman, Young and Strathairn only enhances the experience of attending this unique and unforgettable play, allowing the audience to discuss Karski’s impact and the remarkably modern relevance of the play and its themes.

Considering the mind-boggling and heartbreaking global events of the past two years, “Remember This” is a fitting title, a timely work of art and an important addition to the cultural conversation in 2021.

Tickets are available here.