Holocaust play prepares for regional tour

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A regional tour of a play written by a Youngstown man about a Holocaust survivor is being prepared for a tour that will begin in the spring.

Schools, organizations, community theaters and other groups that would like to book “Images: Remembrances of the Holocaust – The Eva Schloss Story,” written and directed by J.E. Ballantyne Jr., can call 330-799-6176. The tour is targeting Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The play premiered at the Youngstown Playhouse in August.

Schools will be a primary stopping place for the tour, and a 30-minute version of the show has been created so that it can be presented during regular school hours. The full-length version is available for school presentations.

“Images” is a one-woman play featuring actress Molly Galano. It follows the life of Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss, who is a stepsister of Anne Frank.

Ballantyne has written two previous plays about Schloss, both of which end after she was liberated from the Auschwitz camp. “Images” tracks Schloss’ entire life, through the post-war years and to the present, in which she travels the world telling her story.

The powerful show is accompanied by video segments that highlight moments and people in Schloss’ life. A study guide is available for teachers to use in the classroom after students have viewed the play. Production personnel are also available to visit classrooms.

“Images” carries an uplifting message, said Ballantyne. For Information and to view a trailer, go to evaschlossstory.com.

The touring production is seeking to hire experienced sound and video operators, said Ballantyne. Both positions are paid. For information, call 330-799-6176.