Sh’ma tells the moving story of Dr. Veronka John-Steiner, a Santa Fe High alum and beloved professor at the University of New Mexico. Recounting Veronka’s experience before, during and after the Shoah, it seamlessly weaves together the emotive languages of dance, music, and film. The story follows our heroine from her school days to the ghetto, deportation to Bergen-Belsen, and finally to immigration to the U.S.

Originally a choreodrama performed in the former Yugoslavia and New York, the international resurgence of fascism and anti-Semitism spurred the creation of Sh’ma as a film. “Sh’ma” means “listen” in Hebrew. It is a fitting title for a film whose story is a cautionary tale, but one that ultimately celebrates resilience, connection, and hope.

With a cast of extraordinary dancers, including Dance Theater of Harlem and Texas Ballet Theatre professionals, and a haunting original score, the film is part of the Sh’ma Project. This three-part arts and education initiative uses the power of the arts to engage and build understanding about the Holocaust and Human Rights.

Dr. Suki John, Veronka’s daughter, will join us in-person for a post-film discussion.