Local Holocaust play available on DVD

Staff report

Youngstown

J&B Production Arts Services has announced the release of the DVD of “A Light in the Darkness: A Story of Hope During the Holocaust.”

The play, written and directed by J.E. Ballantyne Jr. of Youngstown, got its world premiere in October at the Victorian Players Theatre.

“We had to turn people away several times due to sell-outs, but the release of the DVD will give those people a chance to see it,” said Ballantyne, who is also managing director of the Victorian.

The play is based on the true story of Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, a London resident who came to Youngstown to attend the play for the first two weeks. Schloss is Anne Frank’s stepsister and she spoke after each performance.

Ballantyne said that the DVD has bonus material, including one of Schloss’ post-play lectures, and interviews from the opening night reception that took place at the DeYor Performing Arts Center. Another bonus feature is an Actors Roundtable where the cast and Schloss speak at length about the play and the world premiere.

“This DVD holds a wealth of educational opportunities,” said Ballantyne. “Every school, especially those schools that teach the Holocaust, should have this DVD on hand for their teachers to use and their students to view.”

With relatively few Holocaust survivors still living, this DVD is an opportunity to touch history with someone who knew Anne Frank and her family intimately.

The DVD is $25. Call J&B Production Arts Services at 330-799-6176 or email jandbproductionarts@juno.com or jandbproductionarts@yahoo.com.

DVDs may be ordered by mail. Send a check or money order for $25 plus $3 for postage and handling to J&B Production Arts Services, 7130 Locust Ave., Suite 12, Youngstown, OH 44512. Authorized purchase orders are also accepted.

The performance rights of the script of “A Light in the Darkness” is available to theaters and schools.