Drama about Holocaust at Grande Reserve Elementary School

I Never Saw Another Butterfly          
     Sixth graders at Grande Reserve Elementary School are examining just how important the arts were to the lives of the children of Terezin by performing I Never Saw Another Butterfly on Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m.
     Set in a camp during the Holocaust, the show explores the ways in which children used art, poetry, music, and friendship to find a reason to live during horrific conditions. Images of the artwork created by the actual children of Terezin are projected during the show, and the poems they wrote are brought to life by the student actors.        
     Although 6th graders study the holocaust, some have expressed concern regarding the choice of such a sad show. “Kids need to know about the holocaust,” says student director, Dewey Wheeler. “When you study something, it’s different than picturing actual classmates as those people. The play leaves an impression you can’t forget.” Still, to keep the actors from being too sad, Dewey explains, “We play improvisational games the last ten minutes of every rehearsal to make sure we leave in a good mood.”        
     Student actors include Natalie Ferrer, Madison Grandys, Kayla Jordan, and Matthew Wheeler.       
     The performance , produced by local theatre company Heart and Soul Productions, will be held in the gym at GRES at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 20th. Admission is free. Everyone is welcome, but because of the mature subject matter, it is recommended for ages 10 and up. 
     For more information, contact Elizabeth Wheeler at 815-474-0236.