Jewish Community Center Set for KINDERTRANSPORT Later This Month

The remarkable journey of saving children, sent by the thousands, by sending them to a safe haven is the powerful story shared in the play "Kindertransport," that opens this month at The White Theatre at The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J). This story of attempting to save children from unspeakable horrors still resonates today with the current world refugee crisis.

Performances dates for "Kindertransport", under the direction of Darren Sextro, are March 26, 31 and April 2 at 7:30 p.m. as well as 2 p.m. matinee performances on March 27 and April 3. A special school performance is set for Wednesday, March 29 at 9 a.m. with curriculum materials prepared by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education. Those interested in attending the school performance should contact The J box office, at (913) 327-8054 or The J's main desk at (913) 327-8000.

The Kindertransport was a rescue mission to send Jewish children out of Nazi Germany and other occupied countries to the safety of Great Britain. About 10,000 children were placed in foster homes including Kansas City's own Esther Bergh.

"I was fortunate in that I got on the Kindertransport," said Bergh, whose brother also escaped the Nazis through the Kindertransport. "The alternative is I would have been a victim of the Holocaust." Bergh's mother and grandmother did not survive.

Bergh will share some of her personal experience during a "talk back" following the April 3 matinee performance.

The play "Kindertransport," written by Diane Samuels, follows Eva from her childhood to adult life and the path her life follows as a result of choices made. The audience travels through significant periods of Eva's life to see the impact of the important decision to send her away from home to an unknown family and future. An all-local cast of talented performers has been assembled for The J's production of the play.

Director Sextro said "Kindertransport" is more than a play about World War II and the Holocaust.

"It's a story about the relationship between mothers and daughters, the mother-daughter bonds that are broken and created by outside forces, the meaning of love between mothers and daughters, and the impact of dishonesty between mothers and daughters," Sextro said. "It is also a story about self-identity - can we choose our own back-story or is it chosen for us by our heritage."

"Kindertransport" is rated PG. Tickets are $21 for the general public, $14 for J members and $11 for students. For tickets, please contact the White Theatre box office at The J by calling (913) 327-8054, email boxoffice@thejkc.org or visit www.thejkc.org.

About "The J"

Established more than 100 years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, "The J," provides a warm welcome to families of all backgrounds. "The J's" all-in-one hub for health, learning and well being elevates the lives of the lives of the community and its Members with programs of excellence in fitness, sports, theatre, cultural arts, senior adult programming and youth services including summer camps and child development. Everyone can live up at "The J," located in Overland Park, Kansas, and at thejkc.org.

Cast of Kindertransport

(Role, Actor & City of Residence)

Helga: Elizabeth A. Hillman, Shawnee, KS

Eva: Margaret Veglahn, Prairie Village, KS

Evelyn: Ellie DeShon, Lenexa, KS

Faith: Jessica Franz, Kansas City, MO

Ratcatcher: Justin Speer, Fairway, KS

Lil: Pam Haskin, Olathe, KS

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