THE PLAZA THEATER IS CASHLESS AND HAS A CLEAR BAG POLICY. The theater only accepts credit/debit cards and mobile payments for food and drink.  Cash is not accepted.  Only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12”x 6”x 12” are allowed.  Non clear bags permitted are small bags no larger than the size of a hand.  Clear branded bags with logo no larger than 3.4”x 4.5” are also permitted.
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FAQ
 
WHAT IS THE PLAY ABOUT?

What Once Was  is a moving theatrical experience of poetry, visual images, music, dance and vivid description.  Through storytelling and abstract representation it moves to evoke feelings that transforms spectators into personally involved witnesses at the trial of modern civilization.  The evening is an incisive challenge to the human conscience.
 
WHO IS SALLY GILBERT AND WHAT INSPIRED HER TO WRITE THIS PLAY?

Sally Gilbert was inspired by the life of Dinka Strassberg, a Holocaust survivor, who spent six years working twelve hour days in a munitions factory in Auschwitz and survived the famous death march near the end of World War II.  As a teenager, Sally went to Israel on a one year work-study program where she met Dinka.  Their friendship remained for the rest of Dinka’s life.  January 27, 2025, 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor Dinka Strassberg.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE PLAY TAKE PLACE?

The play will take place at the Plaza Theater in Downtown El Paso on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 7pm; it is General Admission and FREE TO THE PUBLIC. No seats are guaranteed. 

WHO IS DIRECTING THE PLAY?

Writer and Director Georgina Escobar.  Please visit her website, www.georginaescobar.com for more information.

WHAT AGE GROUP IS THE PLAY APPROPRIATE?
14 years and older

WILL THERE BE A POST-PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION OR Q&A?  
No  

IS THE VENUE ACCESSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES?  
Yes  

CAN I DONATE TO THE PRODUCTION?

Donations can be made for What Once Was to the El Paso Community Foundation.  Other donations can go to our organizing partners, the El Paso Holocaust Museum and the UTEP Dinner Theatre (please mention What Once Was in your gift information)

ARE PHOTOGRAPHY OR RECORDINGS ALLOWED BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER THE PERFORMANCE?  

Not during the performance.