My Heart in a Suitcase Anne Lehmann and her family no longer feel safe in their Berlin home. Life in 1938 Germany is deteriorating quickly for the Lehmann family, and all the Jews living there. In order to protect their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann may have to say goodbye to her forever. Anne must struggle to bring meaning out of despair, to cling to love and hope even in a world that seems filled with hatred and violence. ArtsPower’s gripping and poignant production about Anne and her family’s decision whether or not to send her on the Kindertransport is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of a family’s love. This production is based on the book by Anne L. Fox, and it will take you to a time and place in history from one family’s perspective.
Transcript
My Heart in a SuitcaseAnne Lehmann and her family no longer feel safe in their Berlin home. Life in 1938 Germany is deteriorating quickly for the Lehmann family, and all the Jews living there. In order to protect their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann may have to say goodbye to her forever. Anne must struggle to bring meaning out of despair, to cling to love and hope even in a world that seems filled with hatred and violence.
ArtsPower’s gripping and poignant production about Anne and her family’s decision whether or not to send her on the Kindertransport is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of a family’s love. This production is based on the book by Anne L. Fox, and it will take you to a time and place in history from one family’s perspective.
**Note to Teachers**
• Based on the memoirs of Anne L. Fox, this play is a dramatization of the experiences of real people in a real period of history. While parts of the play are light and upbeat, students should know that they will see and hear evidence of discrimination and violence. To present historically accurate visual images, this production incorporates symbols and gestures that are now considered universally offensive: the Nazi swastika and uniform, the “Hail, Hitler” salute, and the six-pointed yellow Star of David inscribed with the word "Jew.”
• The Arts Power Study Buddy is also a wonderful show for pre- and post-show preparation, discussions, and activities.
World War II: The BasicsWorld War II was fought between the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and the Allied Powers (Britain, United States, Soviet Union, France). Most of the countries in the world were involved in some way. It was the deadliest war in all of human history with around 70 million people killed.
• When was it?
World War II started in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. Great Britain and France responded by declaring war on Germany. The war in Europe ended with Germany's surrender on May 7, 1945. The war in the Pacific ended when Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945.
• Where was it?
World War II started in Europe, but spread throughout the world. Much of the fighting took place in Europe and in Southeast Asia (Pacific).
Persecution in WWII
• In WWII many people were targeted and persecuted in Germany, people who were different then some of the men in power.
• People of different ethnicities, religions, ability-levels, and more became victims.
• Most prominently targeted were Jewish people in what is known as the Holocaust.
• My Heart in a Suitcase tells the story of one Jewish Family in Germany facing that persecution.
What would you do?
Warning: This could be possibly upsetting but is a powerful tool for empathizing and understanding.
• A quiz to see what you would do if you were persecuted for you faith• Maybe take general ideas and concepts
and facilitate a class discussion.
• Useful resources:• Holocaust Lesson Plans• BBC interactive children’s guide to
• Anne Frank was a young Jewish girl in Germany during WWII.
• After the war, her journal was found and her story still has an amazing impact today, it’s called “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
• Children and young people can have a great impact on the world.
• How could telling your story help others?
• How can you start changing the world now?
Adversity & Family• Many families face adversity in all shapes and
kinds.
• It can be something that can bring a family and a greater community together.
• Think about a hard time in your family that brought you closer.
• How can relating your own struggles with those of another help you understand more?
• Does it make you want to help?
• In what ways can you help families that are facing adversity right now?
History on Stage
• Various art forms, like theatre, can help transport you to another time and place—bringing history to life.
• Theatre artists use performance, costumes, sets, props, and lights to help do this.
• How do you think these things will be used to portray a story that took place almost a hundred years ago?
• Brainstorm ideas with a group, create drawings of your ideas, and share them with the class.
Now that you’ve seen the show…• How did it compare to your ideas
on staging it?
• What did you learn?
• What questions do you have now?
• What do you want to learn more about?
• How was it more impactful being on a stage vs. being a movie or book?
Thank you for experiencing a live performance with us at the Butler Arts Center! We want to make sure your visit is educational, engaging, and entertaining for you and your students.
For additional information about this matinee performance and upcoming events at the Butler Arts Center,
