During the 2008-2009 Israel military strike on Gaza, 1,500 Palestinians were killed and thousands were seriously wounded. In response, critically-acclaimed playwright and political provocateur Caryl Churchill was driven to create 'Seven Jewish Children'.
THAT Production Company is an independent theatre company based in Ipswich, Queensland. By producing classic and contemporary texts, THAT Production Company cultivates theatrical experiences that resonate with the audience’s quest for understanding worldwide issues. THAT Production Company strives to consciously react, question everything, seek answers, and appreciated that we won’t always understand, while inspiring a diverse range of audiences.
THAT Production Company’s latest project 'Seven Jewish Children' surrounds the idea of whether or not Jewish children should be taught about certain events in Jewish history, including The Holocaust, the creation of Israel, the expulsion of Palestinian Arabs, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the First Infitada and the death of Rachel Corrie. Director of 'Seven Jewish Children', Timothy Wynn, delves deeper.
How did THAT Production Company originate?
THAT Production Company came out of a group of friends who wanted to put on a play. Since producing our first show in 2009 we have undergone many changes the most important of which was relocating the company to Ipswich.
Jewish history is still a touchy subject for a lot of people and cultures. How does THAT Production Company address issues regarding different aspects of Jewish history?
The play is a very open work with very little detail in relation to historic events. What few specifics the playwright has included are all we have to anchor the scene in time and place.
Why is the discussion of educating Jewish children on certain events important?
The play doesn’t necessarily place importance on educating children so much as it does on the idea of the adults discussing what they should and should tell the children.
How does 'Seven Jewish Children' encourage that discussion?
The play shows us how the adults in the children's lives are torn between how honest they should be and how far the truth can be stretched.
What kind of research went into writing and producing 'Seven Jewish Children'?
In terms of writing the play I can’t be 100 percent sure what research Caryl Churchill did, however I do know she has been a long-time patron of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and wrote this play as a result of her passion for the plight of Palestine. Regarding our production we have steeped ourselves in research relating to the historical events in the play and in relation to the current Israeli and Palestinian situation.
What was the selection process like for the people involved in 'Seven Jewish Children'?
We drew on actors we had worked with in the past. It came from discussion with people we trust, having them read the script and telling us what they saw the play as being about and why they think it was written. It was really important everyone felt the same way about the play as it is a very divisive piece.
THAT Production Company has done a number of ‘controversially’ themed pieces. How does 'Seven Jewish Children' differ from that?
A lot of the plays we have done in the past have exhibited a certain level on violence. The controversy around this play stems from something very different to that.
You aim to draw a diverse range of audiences to your shows. Is there any particularly audiences that may enjoy 'Seven Jewish Children' more than others?
Anyone who has a strong interest in the political and social issues presented in the play will have a deeper understanding of the work, but it really is a play that anyone can relate to.
Is it aimed towards a particular group?
'Seven Jewish Children' is for anyone who is interested in political theatre.
What can audiences expect from the production?
Audiences can expect choreographed movement, music, audio visuals but most importantly an exploration of how a society can change its truth from one of the most important playwrights of our time.
'Seven Jewish Children' plays Dancing Tiger, 15-17 May.
