Educational Activities
The Escape Act is more than just a show.
It is an academic, artistic and educational project on Circus Jews Under National Socialism, based on over seven years of intensive research spanning survivor testimonies, family interviews, archival digging and visits to museums, libraries and cemeteries.
It is an academic, artistic and educational project on Circus Jews Under National Socialism, based on over seven years of intensive research spanning survivor testimonies, family interviews, archival digging and visits to museums, libraries and cemeteries.
- Research, document and commemorate Jewish circus artists in Nazi Germany and beyond
- Share their life stories with modern-day audiences through the lenses of live performance and research
- Challenge audiences to consider the relationship between the Holocaust and present-day, worldwide dilemmas; Engage them in issues of discrimination, racism, communal accountability and social justice.
- Present this chapter in Jewish History from a different angle to young audiences, particularly of Jewish background; Stimulate conversations about minority experiences (past, present and future) with their peers, teachers and families
The show can be booked by itself, or as a package with any of the additional educational elements of the project:
We offer a behind-the-scenes talk about the history of Circus Jews Under National Socialism and the creation process behind the show.
The talk can be as short as 15 minutes (this is the format we present in academic conference) or as long as 1 hour. The longer version also combines excerpts from the show and includes audience participation. The talk is aimed at adults but suitable for ages 16 and up. Click here to learn more. |
We offer various interactive workshops for adults youth, or both, intersecting circus, theater and history:
* A circus workshop where participants will learn basic circus skills used in the 1930s and 1940s, * A drama workshop where we will workshop and stage monologues and scenes based on testimonies from Holocaust survivors. |
The exhibition, titled "Circus Jews Under National Socialism", is a historical exhibition presenting biographies and photos of Jewish circus artists between the world wars. Curated with the academic team Diverging Fates, the exhibition sheds light on a golden era of Jewish Circus in Europe and reveals the effects the nazi regime had on its people and enterprises.
We recommend setting up the exhibition in the venue's lobby, to give audiences a wider context for the show. |
