Kindertransport by Samuels, Diane ( AUTHOR ) Apr-23-2008 Paperback

by Diane Samuels

Paperback

Published April 22, 2008

Reviews

[Rusty Cutlery]

Having read this having no knowledge of the practise of kindertransport, or indeed most of WW2 era Britain, this was a really interesting play. Loved some of the staging, found the Ratctacher in particular a really strong motif/character. The way he was utilised in being cast for other characters to remind the audience of the overarching themes was really dramaturgically powerful.
As for me personally, we had to read this as part of a course and by god the themes of identity and forced identity, and societal suppression of YOUR identity go so hard. As well as that, conversations with both mothers were so, so impactful, one showcasing a type of emotional abuse that I have experienced but never see in fiction and another conversation in which inheriting names is mentioned. That, as a trans person really emulated a conversation I tried to have with a family member.
This play could resonate with you more than you think. A heart wrenchingly realistic depiction of trauma and suppression.

[Carla]

A very good concept, but it felt very unfinished and left you wanting more. The interview at the end was fantastic.

[Lindsey]

A beautifully sad story about the generational trauma that the Holocaust caused and how one lives with the guilt of surviving.