EVA Schloss, Holocaust survivor and step-sister of diarist, Anne Frank, will be making her only visit to Scotland this Friday (28th January) as part of the events to commemorate World Holocaust Memorial Week.
Begins a spokesperson: “She will join pupils and staff at Larbert High School for a performance of ‘And Then They Came For Me’, a multimedia play that uses interviews with Holocaust survivors and live actors recreating the lives of Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg, Anne Frank’s first boyfriend during World War II.
“The play, directed by Nic Careem, will use dramatic action, direct address and a range of multimedia techniques to bring their experiences to life. It has been performed across the world and has been described as being ‘like a historic newsreel brought to life on the stage’.
“Ms Schloss will also help pupils plant a memorial tree in the grounds of the school, part of a lasting memorial that when completed, will see a total of 420 trees creating a visual tribute. She will also be part of a question and answer session with the pupils describing her life with Anne Frank and their experiences.”
The spokesperson added: “Anne Frank and Eva Schloss met in 1940 in Amsterdam. They were friends and despite the tragedy that affected their lives, Eva’s mother went on to marry Anne Frank’s father in 1953.
“Following the discovery of Anne’s diary, Otto Frank was persuaded to have her memoirs published that went on to be one of the most widely read books of all time.
“Eva Schloss has helped raise awareness of the Holocaust throughout the world over 50 years and, in 1999, joined United Nations General Secretary Kofi Annan in signing the Anne Frank Peace Declaration, a document that has been signed by many world leaders since.”
Eva Schloss said: “Today, our world is fraught with social and economic problems, perfect conditions for extreme and irrational prejudice to thrive. This play’s message is therefore as important today as it ever was.
“By remembering this story, we will make sure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten, and we will minimise the chance of history being repeated.
“I am delighted that rector, Jon Reid, has invited us to perform the play at his school as part of Holocaust Memorial Week and I thank him and his staff for making this possible.”
Larbert High’s rector, Jon Reid, said: “Eva’s and Anne’s story is truly remarkable and one that should be passed down the generations for everyone to see how brave and strong young people can be in such terrible circumstances.
“Bringing the production to Larbert High is a great achievement for everyone involved and both pupils and staff will learn such a great deal from Eva’s memories as well as the production itself.
“The whole school community will undoubtedly be proud to meet with such an inspirational woman and hear first hand about how prejudice and ignorance have no place in our world today and that by remembering what happened to Anne, Eva and all those who suffered as a result of the Holocaust, will help to ensure that it is never repeated.
“I am grateful for the help in bring the play to Larbert and the generous assistance offered by our local sponsors Semperian and Laing O’Rourke Scotland.”
Producer/director, Nic Careem, said: “Eva’s is a story that was played out millions of times during the Nazi era, but I believe it is only possible to take in the full horror of that period if we look closely at its effects on individual families. Only at that human level can we truly relate.”
Andrew Milne, manager at Semperian, said: “Semperian Investment Partners are pleased and indeed honoured to be involved and support Larbert High School in their event to commemorate National Holocaust Memorial Week.
“It is also a tribute to the staff who have worked extremely hard to bring such a prestigious play to Scotland and Semperian not only wanted to recognise their efforts but also demonstrate that we play a part in the school’s daily life as well as looking after and maintaining the buildings and facilities.”
Ends
Contact David Grindlay on 01324 506055 david.grindlay@falkirk.gov.uk
Notes to editors
Both Eva Schloss and Jon Reid will be available for interview/photographs on Friday 29th January between 11am and 11.30am at Larbert High School, Carrongrange Rd, Larbert FK5 3BL.
From 11:30am to 11:45am Ms Schloss will be joining pupils in the grounds of Larbert High School to plant the first of 420 memorial trees.
If you wish to attend, please contact Falkirk Council Press Office on the above number.
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Contact: David Grindlay
Phone: 01324 506055
Email: david.grindlay@falkirk.gov.uk
Website: http://www.falkirk.gov.uk
