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The Daily Photoist: November 9, 2009
Elsewhere in the Ist-a-Verse
How did a young girl's suitcase end up inspiring a book read in 40 countries and now, a play?
Hana Brady was a young Czechoslovakian Jew who died at the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1944, leaving behind a small suitcase with her name written on its side. In 2000, her suitcase was exhibited at a Japanese Holocaust Education Centre, where curator Fumiko Ishioka began to investigate Hana's short life with the assistance of a group of local schoolchildren. Their research lead them to Hana's older brother, George Brady, who survived the Holocaust as a labourer and later settled in Toronto.
Hana and Fumiko's tale has subsequently been turned into a children's radio program and award-winning and bestselling book that became the framework for the play. Rumour has it that it may eventually be made into a movie.
Hana's Suitcase has become an international phenomenon, now available in 40 countries. Much like The Diary of Anne Frank, the book is used in elementary schools to educate children about the atrocities of the Holocaust, and its popularity is growing at an exponential rate.
The Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People is currently hosting the world premiere of Hana's Suitcase until April 27.
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What an informative and well-written Torontoist entry. I hope to read more from this Ms. Whaley in the future!
Well hello...
Hana's Suitcase is definitely being made into a movie! Two, in fact.
I wonder if this Ms. Whaley is as sexy in person as she is in her articles regarding plays about human atrocities.
Does anyone know if the Canadian Jewish Congress has objected yet to Hana's Suitcase as being unsuitable to children? Presumably, the holocaust is at least as disturbing as stories told by Palestinian children. I am thinking of the failure of the Toronto District School Board to defend its own libraries in their choice of Deborah Ellis's Three Wishes as a suitable (and award-nominated) children's book.
Roger Langen, Teacher, TDSB
Does anyone know if the Canadian Jewish Congress has objected yet to Hana's Suitcase as being unsuitable to children? Presumably, the holocaust is at least as disturbing as stories told by Palestinian children. I am thinking of the failure of the Toronto District School Board to defend its own libraries in their choice of Deborah Ellis's Three Wishes as a suitable (and award-nominated) children's book.
Roger Langen, Teacher, TDSB
I'd presume that someone would've brought up Anne Frank's Diary then.
Same point.
It was a wonderful article. Wonderful story it inspired me. It was a beautiful reading. Just so amazing and touching. Poor Hana Brady.
Thanks
Joe Handly
Gov. Northwest Territories
Preimer
why was hana brady an orphan if she had parents
I read the book and it gave me goosebummps! Hana Brady was an orphan because her parents were killed and she was all alone with her brother at the time. If you want to talk to George Brady...it says his address in "Hana's Suitcase" in the letter Fumiko Ishioka wrote to him. Just look up his address in www.whitepages.ca in 'find a person' and it will give you his phone number and postal code and every thing!...I tried it!