OC Archives: Inna Dukach (Ina) and Gideon Dabi (Jaap) in Steal a Pencil for Me (2018)

By: Suzanne Whitney

In 2018, Opera Colorado presented the world premiere of Steal a Pencil for Me. It was created by composer Gerald Cohen and librettist Deborah Brevoort. The opera tells the true story of Jaap and Ina Polak, two Dutch Jews who fell in love while prisoners, first at the Nazi labor camp of Westerbork in Holland and then the concentration camp Bergen-Belsen.

This recording is a duet between Jaap and Ina. They come across each other behind the barracks at Westerbork Transportation Camp. Jaap reintroduces himself to Ina and tries to comfort her. He suggests they meet every evening behind the barracks and talk of the little things in life, the things that help them feel alive.

Learn more about the road to this historic world premiere>>

Cohen and Brevoort’s Steal A Pencil for Me was performed at the Wolf Theatre in 2018.

Conducted by: Ari Pelto
Stage directed by: Omer Ben Seadia
Featuring: The Opera Colorado Orchestra
Videography by: Brad Stabio
Image: Opera Colorado/Matthew Staver