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Cost of conflict to children  The refugee Eva (Gabrielle Dempsey) with her rescuer, Lil (Maggie Steed) Kindertransport
Malvern Theatres
*****
THE atrocities of the holocaust are well documented. Few of us can be
unaware of Hitler’s purge of anti-semtism that ravaged Europe throughout
the Second World War. What is less known is the story of the children.
In 1938, months before the outbreak of World War 2, train loads of Jewish and ‘ Non-Aryan’ children arrived in Britain from Germany. The newly formed Inter-Aid
Committee set out to rescue children from the increasing threat of Nazi
control. Several countries were approached but only Britain agreed to
take them in. Torn apart from parents they would probably never see
again, some tried to forget the past and start afresh. Many are still
alive to tell their extraordinary tale today. Diane Samuels’ 1993 play
touches movingly on the journey of a child taken suddenly from her
mother and forced to embrace a new life in foreign climes, in this case,
Manchester. The play offers more than that though. While Samuels never strays
from the poignancy and power of the central storyline, she cleverly
interweaves it with parallel, more universal themes, easily accessible
and immediately recognisable to an audience. The story of Eva, the
little German girl packed away to England, is beautifully told but also
serves as a metaphor for a wider theme; - a child separating from it’s
mother and the emotional complexities inherent within that. The exploration of memory is
also touched on and asks a profound question. Should we block out
painful memories of the past or should we hang on to them in order to
grow and move forward? Samuels never preaches, only presents the
questions for us all to consider.
Andrew Hall directs with
precision and sensitivity. Moments of stillness and emotion are mixed
with real tension and pace which drive the play along. Hall is clearly
an Actor’s Director, placing huge emphasis on casting and
performance. Characters are beautifully drawn and defined throughout.
Speeches are conveyed with colour and clarity and moments of
confrontation hit just the right note. Added to the mix is a superbly
evocative soundscape and a clever set by Juliet Shillingford. Downstage,
rows of old boots and shoes taken from concentration camp victims serve
as a chilling reminder of the world the children are leaving behind. Gabrielle Dempsey shines as
Eva, the girl forced to start a new life. She conveys a huge , emotional
journey - both physically and emotionally - with real tenderness and
insight. Maggie Steed brings kindness
and down to earth charm as Lil. She is an instinctive actress with a
very real delivery, despite having to cope with a nasty cough of the
night. Janet Dibley brings impressive
gravitas as Evelyn - a wonderfully assured and measured performance. Paul Lancaster deals with an
array of male characters well - his Ratcatcher giving a real
sense of eerie menace. Rosie Holden brings out the
inquisitive nature of Faith strongly - her arguments with her mother
containing real edge. Emma Deacon , as Helga,
gets it just right. Her scene with Eva at the end of the play is
heartbreaking and superbly played by both actors. At their best, plays can make
moments in history come alive and serve to remind us of stories that
need to be told. There is no better example than this. An important
piece of theatre that will inspire and touch you. It may even surprise
you. Catch it if you can To 15-03-14 then tour
continues. Tom
Roberts
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