In 2018, I took a trip through Eastern Europe and while in Budapest, Hungary, I toured the House of Terrors. The museum's permanent exhibit displayed the nation's relationship with Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. At one point on the tour, you travel into the basement were you see a variation of cells that were used to torture prisoners. There is a specific "standing cell" that we actually use in GG that is as it sounds; a very small closet type space where one can do nothing but stand. Stepping into that cell your back hits a damp cold wall and once the door closed there was no light. 
 

I think my "AH HA" moment was truly when I viewed a short video of three elderly women describing their time being held in prison by secret police. They described their prison guard who would routinely mentally physically and mentally abuse them. The interview changed to the former prisoners returning to prison cell decades after their release. The women shared a sense of camaraderie as they recalled more details of their imprisonment. The mood quickly shifted as soon as the women came face to face with their former prison matron and torturer. I thought, "How interesting! I would love to be a fly on the wall for this meeting." And that thought stuck with me. 

 

When I returned home I began casually researching more about Eastern European history and the history of the Soviet Union. I will admit, due to moving my freshman year in high school or perhaps public schooling in general, my education of World History left much to be desired. I remember learning about Mesopotamia and then moving to a new school and jumping into World War II. I was embarrassed by how much I didn't know and wanted to educate myself further about the history of the countries I had visited. 

 

Then I discovered Gulag. And it was awful. It was also incredible that I had never heard of it. It was upsetting to learn that there was another dark part of history that imprisoned millions of people. I was determined to create something that would educate others on this topic. If I had never heard of it, chances are that I wasn't alone. 

 

I took these "sparks" as the inspiration for my second playwriting venture. I wanted to write a historical fiction play that focused on the women prisoners of GULAG. My goal was to create something that would educate and entertain. I heavily researched the topic and made special notes when I came across any memoir or detailed mentions of women. I eventually found each of the characters you see in the play. 

 

As you watch Gulag Girls keep in mind that while it is a fiction. The characters you meet were based on real people. The descriptions you hear and activities you see all happened. I just put their timelines together and wove in a little theatrical magic. 

 

I know this show may be difficult to watch and at times triggering. I want to thank everyone who sticks with it to the end. History, while triggering, tends to repeat itself. I hope you leave thinking "I can't believe that happened back then. Who let that happen?" and then perhaps reflect on our current world events and question "Why are we letting this happen now?"