Tomorrow night, in the basement of Hatcher Hall, a group of University theatre students will go back in time to the World War II era to tell a young girl’s heart-wrenching story.
Elizabeth Godley, theatre performance senior, said she read stories about the German children emigration in order to relate more to her character, Eva.
Godley said she feels comfortable portraying Eva because the play deals a lot with family.
“I connected with the character immediately,” she said. “She gives a different perspective of World War II.”
Chris Nelson, doctoral student in theatre and director of “Kindertransport,” said the original author was Diane Samuels, who based the playwright off real accounts.
Nelson said the setting alternates between two locations and time frames to capture the life of a 9-year-old “kinder” girl, whose life changes entirely when her mother sends her to Great Britain to be fostered.
“The structure of the play is very unique,” he said. “Sometimes, characters switch time scenes in a split second.”
Godley said the mood of the play begins on a hopeful note but quickly sinks to a dark tone.
Actress Lyndsay Kimball, theatre performance senior, said the mood significantly relates to the plot. She said a harsh-truth secret is revealed in the play, initiating a lot of betrayal.
“[Characters feel] betrayed and hurt at some point,” she said.
Nelson said the play pinpoints the disheartening factors of pre-World War II accounts, like relocation. He also said the story proposes questions for the audience.
“What could’ve been, what should’ve been, what might’ve been?” he said.
Godley and Kimball said the play will force the audience to relate to the characters.
“What would I do in this position?” Kimball said audience members will ask themselves.
Godley added they will “gain perspective” on what they would do in certain situations.
Patsy Radford, theatre sophomore and stage manager, said the cast and production crew are excited to see their full-month’s hard work pay off.
“It is emotionally drawing,” Radford said. “I have to keep myself focused on my job.”
Kimball said she has enjoyed her experience, even with the tight space the cast has to work with.
“This has been one of the best shows,” she said. “I love the space and being close to the audience.”
Nelson said the space works perfectly for the play because some of it takes place in an attic.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s also what makes it intimate,” he said.
Radford and Nelson said students should come to see “Kindertransport,” which will show six times from Sept. 11-16, because it will educate and inspire.
“It is a story that needs to be told,” Nelson said.
—-Contact Lindsay Gallman at [email protected]