Good Chance and Gecko present a new public production that highlights the plight of child refugees with performances around the globe
The Kindertransport may be etched in history but, 85 years on, children around the world are still being forced out of their homes due to conflict. Highlighting this sad reality are theatre companies Good Chance (creators of The Walk with Little Amal) and Gecko, which introduce the topic in From Here On. The 35-minute large-scale production aims to inspire empathy, hope and unity for young people.
Taking place in public locations worldwide, including Harwich (30 Aug & 1 Sep), London (6 & 8 Sep), Dover (Aug), The Hague (21 Sep) and Berlin (Oct), the immersive piece marks the anniversary of the Kindertransport and looks at what, if anything, has changed for a generation marred by instability. In partnership with refugee charity Safe Passage International, the ensemble hopes to provoke discussion around children’s right to safety, regardless of background and race, and support legislation to ensure the reunion of these broken families.
Directed by Amit Lahav, 40 young people will portray the physical and emotional turmoil endured by refugee children forced to flee or face the dangers of war. Harrowing journeys are made every day by youngsters, but the stories rarely reach mainstream news. From Here On places a spotlight on them, featuring performers from a variety of different backgrounds.
At a time of unprecedented international tension and heightened antisemitism, it can feel like the lessons learnt from the past are fast being ignored. From Here On challenges the current state of affairs and looks at the Kindertransport as a symbol of the power people have to make real change – now and in the future.
By Dani Silver
Header image © Mark Sepple
From Here On takes place Friday 6 & Sunday 8 September. 11am, 1.15pm, 3.30pm & 5.40pm. FREE. Exchange Square, Liverpool Street Station, London, EC2A 2EH.
Saturday 30 August & Sunday 1 September. 11am, 1.15pm, 3.30pm & 5.40pm. Harwich Yachting Beach, Essex, CO12 3EJ.
All events are free. For further details on the other locations, visit goodchance.org.uk