My Heart in a Suitcase-Remembering the Holocaust Held at the Van Wezel 3/22

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is opening its Schooltime performances of My Heart in a Suitcase on Tuesday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to the public for just $10.00 a seat. Please join us for this extraordinary show that touches the hearts and minds of young and old alike, inspiring Sun Coast residents to learn more about the Holocaust by weaving an emotional bond through art.

While every student in America learns about World War II, not many know about the "Kindertransport". In 1938 thousands of Jewish children were sent from their homes in Austria, Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia to Britain, in hopes of keeping them safe as the Nazi threat grew. Most of them would never see their mothers and fathers again. Anne L. Fox was one of these children, leaving her home country on the "Kindertransport" when she was just twelve years old. Years later, she would record her experiences in a book called My Heart in a Suitcase. Now, ArtsPower National Touring Theatre has brought Ms. Fox's moving autobiography to the stage. The result is a gripping and poignant production, and a tribute to the strength of the human spirit.

In addition to enjoying this stellar production, audience members are free to view two different displays of Holocaust-inspired artwork. A grant from The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee has provided for the display of the Florida Holocaust Museum traveling exhibit entitled "The Holocaust Through Czech Children's Eyes" - a collection of the best works of art from teenage artists depicting the theme of the Holocaust. The second display consists of artwork created by local school students. A Teaching Artists' Residency, led by Judith Levine, has allowed artists to work with select teachers and students on a project called "Memory Keepers." On the day of the performance, these students will display works of art that depict their own personal narrative, inspired by their study of The Holocaust.

Tickets are $10.00 at the Box Office ($3.00 service charge for phone orders), beginning at 10:00 a.m. on March 7, 2011. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941) 953-3368.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall's Education and Community Engagement Department is proud to present "My Heart in a Suitcase" with financial support from Gerri Aaron, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and Mildred Stein, and the Artists' Residency in conjunction with the Sarasota and Manatee County School Districts and with the financial support of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

Date of Show: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Ticket Price: $10