Play focusing on WW II Operation to Rescue Jewish Children from Nazi Germany to Open November 11

National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education to Host Events Providing Historical Context for Performance

Seton Hill University Theatre is proud to present “Kindertransport,” by Diane Samuels, opening Friday, November 11.

Just before World War II, 10,000 Jewish families sent their children to England to escape the Nazis in a rescue operation known as the “kindertransport.” Drawn from autobiographical sources, the play “Kindertransport” focuses on four milestones in child survivor Eva Schlesinger's life, bringing painful memories into direct conflict with the present. She can refuse to remember, but will the past stay silent?

Seton Hill's performance of “Kindertransport” will be guest directed by Kellee Van Aken, artistic associate at the City Theatre.

Seton Hill students cast in “Kindertransport” are Sarah M. Danko of Latrobe, Pa. as Eva; Maureen E. Lydon of Bethel Park, Pa. as Faith; Danielle Nortum of Johnsonburg, Pa. as Evelyn; Elizabeth J. Serra of Latrobe, Pa. as Lil, Jonathan P. Stewart of Thompson, Pa. as Ratcatcher and Laura A. Stracko of Nazareth, Pa. as Helga.

The National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education (NCCHE) at Seton Hill University is hosting the following events in conjunction with the performance of “Kindertransport:”

Exhibit: “The Kindertransport Journey: Memory into History” at Reeves Library on Seton Hill's campus from November 8-20. The NCCHE, Reeves Library and Harlan Gallery are pleased to host an extensive historical exhibit that provides pictures, letters and quotes from those that were involved in the Kindertransport rescue operation. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Reeves Library's Fall 2005 hours are: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m.-10:50 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:50 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m.-4:20 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m.-10:50 p.m.

Discussion Sessions with Kindertransport survivors: The NCCHE is pleased to partner with Seton Hill's Theatre Department in presenting Talk Back sessions with Pittsburgh Kindertransport survivors Ilse Schwarz and Margit Diamond following performances on Sunday, November 13, 2005, 2 p.m., (Ilse Schwarz) and Thursday, November 17, 2005, 2 p.m. (Margit Diamond).

“Kindertransport” performance schedule is: November 11, 2005 - 8 p.m.; November 12 - 8 p.m.; November 13 - 2 p.m.; November 15 and 16 - 10:30 a.m.; November 17 - 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; November 18 -10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.; November 19 - 8 p.m. All performances are in Reeves Theatre, ground floor, Reeves Memorial Library on Seton Hill's campus. Seton Hill University is located on Route 130 West in Greensburg, PA. Reeves Theatre is a disabled accessible and climate-controlled facility. Parking is free. Single admission tickets are $12 for all ages, all performances. Single admission for Seton Hill students is $5. Groups of 16 or more, with reservations and advance payment, are $10 each. Student rush tickets (available five minutes before curtain to any student with a valid school ID) are $5, subject to availability. Order tickets by phone: 724-838-4241, by e-mail: boxoffice@setonhill.edu or by mail: Theatre Box Office, Seton Hill University, Box 492, 1 Seton Hill Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601-1599. Seton Hill's box office is open (by telephone) beginning September 1, 2005. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours on performance days: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday.