Cardinal
Stritch University’s production of “Irena’s Vow,” in collaboration with
Renaissance Theaterworks, was featured on the Oct. 26 broadcast of FOX6 WakeUp.
"Irena's Vow" tells the true story of Irena Gut Opdyke, a Polish Catholic who, after the outbreak of World War II, was conscripted as a housekeeper in the home of a powerful Nazi officer. When she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated, Irena decides to shelter 12 Jewish workers in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant’s house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child.
FOX6's Laura
Langemo visited campus to learn about Irena’s compelling story and interview cast and crew
members.
The
broadcast consisted of four segments, including an exclusive preview of the
show which runs in the Nancy Kendall Theater through Nov. 4. The scene featured Stritch students, as well as professional actors.
Jeannie Smith, the daughter of Irena Gut Opdyke, was also
on Stritch’s campus on Friday, Oct. 26 to speak about her mother's experiences
during the Holocaust.
Showtimes and dates:
Oct. 26-27; Nov. 2-3 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.
Location:
Nancy Kendall Theater
Joan Steele Stein Center for Communication Studies/Fine Arts
Cardinal Stritch University
6801 N. Yates Road, Milwaukee (get directions here)
Tickets:
$12/adults
$10/seniors
$6/students
Free for Stritch students w/ I.D.
For more information or to
reserve tickets, call (414) 410-4171.