By Nicole M. Wells, Special Writer
MONROE — Jan. 27 was designated International Holocaust Remembrance Day by the United Nations General Assembly because it is the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. For Carolyn Dorfman, it is an opportunity to honor her parents, as well as all Holocaust victims.
The Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company will perform “The Legacy Project,” on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Richard P. Marasco Theater for the Performing Arts. The theater is located at 1629 Perrineville Road. The performance is presented by the Monroe Township Cultural Arts Commission.
The daughter of Holocaust survivors, Carolyn Dorfman tells stories of faith, survival and renewal through dance, according to company Executive Director Anita Thomas. Works such as “Mayne Mentashn” (My People), “Tokkun” (to Repair) and “Odisea” (Odyssey) celebrate the strength and resilience of the Jewish people and culture.
”The Legacy Project” reflects “both her parents’ experience and her experience,” Ms. Thomas said.
According to Ms. Thomas, Ms. Dorfman’s parents came to America with virtually nothing, having lost several family members in the Holocaust. Ms. Dorfman’s works celebrate her Jewish heritage, while illustrating the struggles and triumphs of assimilating into American society.
”It’s a very personal work,” Ms. Thomas said.
The performance will be narrated by Ms. Dorfman, with a “talk back” after the performance, where audience members will have the opportunity to interact with both Ms. Dorfman and company members.
”The Legacy Project” is a compilation of seven to eight works in the company’s repertoire, Ms. Thomas said. The company’s complete repertoire consists of 60 works.
General admission is $25, patrons are $22 and students are admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.MonroeTownshipCulturalArts.com.
”The Legacy Project” is funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of ChosenFreeholders and the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission with assistance through a grant provided by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Dept. of State and the Ocean First Foundation.

