Play: 'Etty…in transit'

Etty Hillesum 1939. Image public domain

'Something else about this morning: the perception, very strongly borne, that despite all the suffering and injustice, I cannot hate others.' Etty Hillesum.

'Etty…in transit' is a new multimedia production based on the diaries of Etty Hillesum (1914-1943). It charts the journey of two lives that interweave throughout the play. Sam Edwards is a mature fashion model with mental health difficulties who vlogs to her followers during the first lockdown of 2020. Isolated in her flat she discovers the diaries of Etty Hillesum and begins to devour them, appearing in projected videos. Etty appears live in The Crypt, through a verbatim script from The Diaries of Etty Hillesum.

This production is atmospheric, dynamic and performed by the formidable Sarah Finch (RSC, BBC) in a two-room immersive setting. Set Design is by Ignacio Llamas (Best Living Spanish Artist, ARCO, 2016), Film, Sound and Tech Management by Ashleigh Aston & Gareth Price-Baghurst and Script/Live Music & Composition by Paul Gateshill.

'Etty… in transit' is a story which brings hope. In the face of the utter horrors of the Nazi genocide. Etty emerges as a beacon of courage and light and her writings are more than relevant today in a world still ravaged by hatred and destruction. The play marks the 80th anniversary of Etty's death in Auschwitz on November 30th 1943 and is produced by 'the Lions part'.

Feedback from the staged readings:

'Despite the tragedy it is hopeful and uplifting - the triumph of the human spirit. Very powerful.'

'The atmosphere created by cast and crew sustained the emotional tension.'

'I revelled in the work you have produced and at times was moved practically to tears and to deep reflection.'

'It gave me particular joy to feel that beyond the terrible suffering, Etty could see a drop of light, hope. It makes me want to read her diaries.'

'Etty… in transit' is at The Crypt, St Peter's, Bethnal Green, London E2 7AE, at 7.30pm from 30th November - 10th December 2023

For tickets see: www.ticketsource.co.uk/etty