Posted in theatre on February 11, 2007|
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“All of this really happened …….”
Dundee Rep once again came up trumps with a stunning short play by David Greig chronicaling the true story of Dr Korczak, who ran an orphanage for Jewish children in war-torn Warsaw. He was a principled leader who believed that by setting a civilised example in his community, he would be demonstrating a point to the Nazis.
The orphanage was run on groundbreaking democratic grounds, with misdemenours dealt with by a court of other children. Korczak dealt with the children patiently and wisely, yet in his private moments we learn of his deep turmoil and worry about the unstable and frightening situation.
The play dealt with the promise of safety for the children from the head of the whole Jewish community, and the lack of sympathy from the catholic church in particular. When the promise of safety could no longer be kept, Dr Korczak lined up all his children under the green flag of their summer camp and led them off to the waiting train …. he was offered a pass to safety, but remained with his children.
After the war, his writings were discovered leading to his list of Rights for Children being recognised by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Superb performances by John Buick as Korczak, Kevin Lennon as the boy and Ionia Ni Chroinin as the girl. The use of model figures was inspiring. The packed audience, in a three quarter round and seated on the stage, were spellbound. We were given a postcard of Children’s Rights on the way out.
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