‘We Are Proud to Present ...’ at the Matrix Theatre

Theodor Adorno’s oft-quoted remark, “It is barbaric to write poetry after Auschwitz,” raises questions about the ability of artists to represent the Holocaust. Jackie Sibblies Drury’s spry metatheatrical play (with the full title of “We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South-West Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915”) grapples with just this type of knotty problem. Drury is somewhat better at playfully setting up her conceit than in developing it, but this play introduces a sharp sensibility to the American theater. The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Through Aug. 11. https://www.matrixtheatre.com.