Ian Serrailler’s moving account of a family torn apart by war has been adapted for the stage in Titchfield.
The Silver Sword, a much-loved classic since it was first written in 1950, will be recreated by Titchfield Youth Theatre adapted by Christine West and Julian Sluggett.
Three children have a lucky escape in a terrifying scramble across the rooftops as the Nazis take their mother away.
Alone in the chaos of Warsaw, Edek, Ruth and Bronia have to learn how to survive on their own.
On their journey they meet Jan, a ragged boy with a paperknife – the silver sword – that they recognise as belonging to their long lost father.
The sword becomes their symbol of hope as, with Jan, they begin the hazardous voyage across war-torn Europe in the hope that they will find their parents. Their journey begins at the end of the war when the Nazi regime collapses.
The story touches the hearts of children and adults alike and is as relevant today as it was when it was first written.
This epic theatre production has 84 speaking parts and the cast of 21 youngsters explore the many aspects of physical theatre to create air raids, desperate refugees, rivers, rapids and a massive storm on a Swiss lake.
It runs on Wednesday (May 1), Friday (May 3) and Saturday (May 4) at Titchfield Festival Theatre, St Margaret’s Lane.
Performances start at 7pm. Tickets cost £6.50 and £5.50. Contact the Box Office on 01329 556156.