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a new play by Wendy Kout

Inspired by the Lives and Words of Ten Holocaust Survivors


Crafted from the actual testimonies of Rochester-based Holocaust Survivors, CenterStage Theatre and the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester commissioned this new play to put a human face on this important time in history. A cautionary tale on the risks of normalized hate, this inspirational and uplifting play ensures that the voices of our Survivors will never be silenced.

Survivors weaves the shocking and inspirational stories of Eva Abrams, Erich Arndt, Arthur Herz, Ellen Lewinsky, Rosemarie Molser, Henry Silberstern, Helen Przysuskier, Evie Schuerman, Kurt Weinbach and Carl Voldman.

What Audiences are Saying...

“Your performance inspired me to try to make the world a much happier and safer place.”

-Kirra K, Student, Victor Junior High 

“From the first moment I saw the actor speak my husband’s story, I was so gratified that the playwright was able to capture his spirit and values.”
-
Sheila Gissin Weinbach, Widow of Kurt Weinbach, Survivor 

“Telling these stories is essential to keep us from repeating tragedies. This had great impact.”

-Terry Fonda Smith, Head of Lower School, Harley School 

“The actors did a tremendous job…the play was powerful, meaningful and very educational.  It humanizes and personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust.”

-Michael Dobkowski, Department of Religious Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

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Book Survivors for Spring 2025

Meet your Holocaust Education teaching mandate with “Survivors” by Wendy Kout
 
This 60-minute play by screenwriter and playwright Wendy Kout is inspired by the lives and words of ten Rochester-based Holocaust Survivors.
 
Developed here in Rochester from writings and interviews of 10 young people, students will experience both the hardship and courage of these inspirational individuals.
 
Survivors also serves as a discussion-starter for current events and the risks of normalized hate and prejudice. Our original script is presented by a troupe of six professional actors.
 
An optional talk-back with a real Survivor or family member of a Survivor is available also.
Click here to e-mail us

BOOK NOW! Tour Available for April & May 2025

 
Performances at Your School
$2,500 Per Show
Ideal for groups of up to 300+
Ask about multiple-show discounts.
Additional travel charges or tech fees may apply.
 
Financial Aid Available
Don’t let budget stop you from booking Survivors.
 
School Shows at the JCC
$10 per student
Please inquire about dates in late April/May
Ideal for small groups.
One free chaperone ticket for every ten students.
 
Convenient and Affordable
Detailed study guides supplied in advance.
Billing easily arranged through BOCES.
Suitable for middle school, high school, college and community groups.
View our comprehensive study guide

Survivors was developed with support from the The William & Sheila Konar Foundation with additional support provided by the Cornell Weinstein Family Foundation, the Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester, The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, ESL Charitable Foundation, and many individual donors. 

Special thanks to Bonnie Abrams, Barbara Appelbaum, Joy Getnick, the Rochester Holocaust Survivors Archive, and the families of our Survivors for assistance creating the play.
Reserve Your Show

Reserving your tour show or field trip is fast and easy!

E-mail [email protected] or call 585.461.2000 ext. 243.

Visit the official website below to learn more:

Survivors the Play
Survivors the Film