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Song of Survival

Based on the autobiographical work of Helen Colijn, who survived three-and-a-half years of internment in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps...

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Description

  • Full Length Musical
  • Drama

  • Target Audience: Appropriate for all audiences
  • Set Requirements: Simple Staging

  • Performance Group:
  • Community Theatre, College Theatre / Student, High School/Secondary
Based on the autobiographical work of Helen Colijn, who survived three-and-a-half years of internment in Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, Song of Survival is "a stunning drama about women interned during World War II in Japanese prisoner of war camps and the music they created to sustain themselves...A powerful and well-scripted depiction of an extraordinary story." (Monterey County Register)

Present-day Helen, as narrator, faces herself as a younger Helen in the group of imprisoned women. Conflict results. Today's Helen urges forgiveness, young Helen insists that the daily horrors be remembered. Among the prisoners there's humor, extraordinary courage and compassion, as well as acts of selfishness. But above all, there's glorious music to unite them and give them hope. 
REVIEWS:

"An incredible theatre experience... An extraordinary and vital story brought to life in a powerful and moving play. The play reaffirmed my belief that the arts can make us whole, sustain us, empower us to do the unimaginable."

Peter Troxell, KUSP-FM, National Public Radio

"A masterful symphony of hope. Great theatre that touches the heart with its story and music."

Tom Leyde, Daily Californian

"Song of Survival is a gem of a stage show. The best. Not a dry eye in the house. Those of us who served in WWII as young men had no idea that prison camps existed for captured woman. The standing ovations was for them, too."

 Bill Baltezar, Daily Californian

"Song of Survival strikes powerful chords."

 Jeffrey Bruner, The Des Moines Register

Characters

  • Casting: 14F
  • Casting Attributes: Minority casting, All Female
  • Casting Notes: Plus flexible female ensemble and chorus.

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