The Soap Myth Tickets

The Soap Myth is a common phrase used in the theater world that has special significance. It is an often-cited anecdote about how Jewish prisoners during the Holocaust were given bars of soap made from their own bodies by Nazis in concentration camps. This story has been perpetuated as a way to illustrate the unimaginable horrors committed by the Nazi regime, but it has also brought up important debates around the accuracy and use of historical myths in theater.

The myth of the soap has been debunked for years, with historians and survivors stating that the idea of using human fat to make soap was likely an urban legend that originated in World War I and was spread by anti-Semitic propaganda. Yet, despite the lack of evidence supporting this claim, the story still persists and has become ingrained in our collective understanding of the Holocaust.

In theater, the validity of this story has been called into question, and many productions have struggled with whether or not to include it in plays or use it as a metaphor to depict the atrocities of the Holocaust. While some argue that the myth can be used effectively as a powerful symbol of the dehumanization of Jews during the Holocaust, others believe that its inclusion only serves to perpetuate falsehoods and diminish the reality of what actually happened.

One example of the soap myth being addressed in theater is in Jeff Cohen’s play, The Soap Myth, which explores the controversy surrounding the myth and its impact on survivor testimony. The play raises the question: why are we so drawn to the idea of the soap myth, and what does that say about our relationship to history and trauma?

The debate over the soap myth highlights the importance of accuracy in historical storytelling. As theaters strive to educate audiences on the realities of the Holocaust and other atrocities, it’s crucial to ensure that any information conveyed is based on verifiable facts rather than myths or outdated stereotypes. By doing so, we can honor the memory of those who suffered, while also promoting a deeper understanding of our shared history.