THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
Written and performed by Amy Engelhardt
Barons Court Theatre, Curtain's Up Pub, 28a Comeragh Road, London W14 9HR
“There are no coincidences… only connections,” topped the press release that popped into my inbox from my editor, inviting me to review a one act solo show called Impact, written and performed by Amy Engelhardt at Barons Court Theatre and part of the Voila! Film Festival. Intrigued, I took the assignment and at that moment, I could not have imagined how very serendipitous the press release quote would become, and it would only be revealed after the curtains came down. I was meant to be there... more on that later.
Amy took to the tiny stage in the hull of a West Kensington pub and went right in, recounting how her life was changed forever by the terrorist bombing in 1988 of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. Tragically 243 passengers, 16 crew members and 11 residents of Lockerbie perished including 35 Syracuse University classmates, five of whom Amy knew. The resonant, pared down production with a cellist and percussionist, and a keyboard upon which hung a Syracuse University banner, allowed the heartbreaking story to lead, making a nice change from sometimes overproduced productions. Amy recalled how she felt standing on a subway platform in Boston when she heard the news of the crash. The audience was immediately drawn in and next to me, I noted a man who was brought to tears. It occurred to me that Amy and I are around the same age, both Americans and I had studied abroad about the same time. It could have been me on that fateful flight, or anyone in the audience for that matter.
Amy took to the keyboard and revealed a stunning voice, clearly born from the influences of Carole King. Cleverly written and haunting lyrics were uplifted with perfectly curated melodies. Her songs are just what the heaviness of the story needs. Although the terrorist attack happened over 36 years ago, every ounce of grieving and sadness rang through.
The tragedy would not leave Amy and ultimately, she was compelled to visit and meet the remarkable people in the town of Lockerbie who sprung into immediate action after the plane went down. Amy pays homage to so many who did so much for the people involved, mostly whom they had never met nor had any connection with. Amy poses the question, “What kind of people care so much about people they have never met?” The kind of people the world needs now, more than ever. Impact imparts the message to follow the signs.
At the end of her show, Amy said that she would be upstairs at the bar. Something was ringing within me and I thought perhaps I should meet her. Amy jumped on the bar stool next to me and we chatted. I told her that my mother’s family had the same surname and asked what part of Europe they immigrated from. Coincidentally, same as me. She then mentioned that she had family in New Jersey and I said that I did as well. We locked eyes and a more in-depth line of questioning ensued. “I believe that we might be related,” I exclaimed. After a peek at an ancestry family tree, then a call to New Jersey, we were astounded to discover that our great grandfathers were brothers. We embraced and a new friendship has begun.
No coincidences, only connections...
