The Jewish Repertory Theatre, the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library and the UB Humanities Institute in partnership present

Refugees & Rescues: Understanding the Children Of The Kindertransport

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Ring of Knowledge, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, One Lafayette Square

A Panel Discussion For the Public                

Just before the start of World War II, a tiny window of opportunity opened to save Jewish children from the mounting perils of Nazism. Some 10,000 Jewish children from Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia were sent by their families to England to stay until a change in the political climate. At the rate of about 300 a week, these young refugees arrived in an unfamiliar country to face an uncertain future. Most were placed immediately in foster homes with English families but had to sacrifice their language, their culture and, even for some, their religion.

On Thursday afternoon, November 15, 2007, a panel discussion will be held for Western New Yorkers to learn more about the kindertransport, the campaign, to save these children by moving them away from their native countries, and its impact upon a generation of young European Jews.

This event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, One Lafayette Square, in the Ring of Knowledge adjacent to the lobby. The program will begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at about 6:30 p.m. This event is co-sponsored by Jewish Repertory Theatre, the University at Buffalo Humanities Institute and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. The program will include:

•                 Maxine Seller, UB professor emeritus, will speak on the history of the kindertransport, both the political situation in Germany which made this campaign necessary and the diplomatic circumstances in Britain which made the rescue possible.

•                 Saul Elkin, artistic director of Jewish Repertory Theatre, will describe the impact of the kindertransport upon the lives of the young Jewish refugees and how it is depicted in the play Kindertransport, written by Diane Samuels, to be presented by JRT, opening on November 29.

•                 Carrie Tirado Bramen, Executive Director of the Humanities Institute, will wrap up the presentation and host a question and answer session with the audience.

•                 Letters written by the kinder while living in England to their families in Germany will be read by students from Buffalo’s Academy of the Visual & Performing Arts.

Click Here for a List of Recommended Readings

Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York is now observing its fifth year of producing and presenting shows for Western New York audiences. JRT is a professional company dedicated to sharing vibrancy and importance of Jewish culture with all audiences. Our productions depict Jewish life, modern and historic, and represent Jews as we live in our own community and as an integral part of all society. JRT is a project of Jewish Community Center Of Greater Buffalo.

The University at Buffalo Humanities Institute promotes innovative cross-disciplinary research, teaching, and community programs. While the Institute is committed to a broad conception of the humanities, its distinctive focus is on original, theoretically informed thinking. It aspires to be a venue where the arts inform the cultural life of the university and the city. The HI continues the rich tradition of ground-breaking research and innovative arts which have brought UB and the city of Buffalo widespread recognition. It is supported by UB's outstanding library resources and by collaboration with local cultural institutions.

The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library strives to connect the diverse community of Western New York to library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain. For more than a century, the Library has promoted lifelong learning by encouraging all children and adults in their enjoyment of reading and discovery.

The JRT, HI & BECPL are committed to not only explore themes in art that are important to their community, but also to actively share performances and exhibits with the community and to engage the public in critical discussion of the programs.

For additional information, visit:

www.jewishrepertorytheatre.com

Or phone:

Thomas Dooney, Managing Director

Jewish Repertory Theatre

688-4114 x334