Each school performance was followed by a lively talk-back session. What follows are some of the student and educator comments about what they had learned and the impact on them.
Students:
“I learned once again that I should not judge others selfishly based on race, religion, appearance, or prejudice, and I will try to do so whenever I meet new people from now on.”
“I want to continue to learn more about the Holocaust and people’s stories. I’ve read Night and seen this play but other than that I haven’t heard many personal stories so I’d like to learn more.” 6
“This performance will change my actions moving forward because I will remember what I had learned from this play about how important it is to treat people with respect and kindness because you don’t know what their stories are.”
“Never forget what happened in the past.”
Educators:
“Capturing the attention of an audience of teenagers who are trying to be ‘too cool for school’ is often not an easy task. However, it seemed like there was a great deal of engagement with the students and I know the play gave them important things to reflect on.” Nick Poeschek: Director, Curriculum and Classroom Assessment Learning and Education Programs Division, BC Ministry of Education and Child Care.
“An incredibly thoughtful and impactful piece of work that brings a terribly important historic event to light. Not only does this convey the importance and dangers associated with hate, prejudice, and racism – it also makes connections to the challenges and realities that people face today. This is a brilliant way of making history come to life, be interactive, and be poignant.” Geoffrey MacDonald: Vice Principal Lambrick Park Secondary School (Saanich)
“Sharing the history of the Holocaust with students provides an important historical example of the dangers of allowing hatred and intolerance to take hold in a society.” Hon. Rob Fleming: Former Minister of Education, BC
“It was such a powerful and moving message, so honestly portrayed by the actors through the testimony of the survivors. It was heartening to see the deep commitment of so many to honor the history.” Nicole Duncan, Trustee School District #61, Victoria, BC