Lilia!

Synopsis

In Lilia! Libby Skala portrays her grandmother, Lilia Skala, who escaped the Nazis to become an Oscar-nominated actress for her role in Lilies of the Field. Libby's performance continues the lifelong conversation between grandmother and granddaughter, recording the journey of a remarkable spirit.

Our Review:

10 November 2010

Part tribute, part caricature, part memorial, Lilia! is the life-story of Broadway and film star, Lilia Skala, as told and acted by her real-life grand daughter, Libby Skala.

Lilia was born in Vienna in 1896 and became one of Austria’s leading stage actresses. After her husband was arrested during the Night of the Long Knives (Lilia herself wasn’t Jewish), she managed to bribe a guard to free him and they fled to America with their two sons. Within two years she was on Broadway – and I think even her grand daughter wonders how she did it.

The most engaging moments in this 75-minute show are those between Lilia and a younger Libby. Minutely observed gestures combined with Libby’s ear for comedy create moving and tender scenes which provide an intimate insight into the character of her famous grandmother. One fascinating scene recreates an acting tutorial that Lilia gave Libby: her advice to her grand daughter is “forg...

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Latest User Review

Neil Ritchie - 13 November 2010:

"Lilia" is a superbly delivered, fine and sensitive tribute and portrayal of a grand old lady of central European heritage. The play amuses, edifies and is deeply moving in places as shown by the audience reaction at the end of Libby Skala's performance. Life affirming, a great show - don't miss it....

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