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News Releases 
"The Germans took Warsaw when Giena lost her baby teeth. They sent us to the ghetto when Symonek spoke his first words." -from Korczak's Children, a CTC world premiere 
For Immediate Release: February 25, 2003
WHO:
The Children's Theatre Company, the nation's leading theater for young people and families.
WHAT:
On March 21, 2003, CTC will present the world premiere production of "Korczak's Children," written by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Eric Simonson. Developed in CTC's new play lab, THRESHOLD, the play was inspired by the life of Janusz Korczak, a doctor, teacher, author and founder of one of the most progressive orphanages in Europe during the first half of the 20th century. An advocate for young people, Korczak empowered children by creating a system in which they could control their own lives. His Children's Parliament (which influenced the United Nation's Bill of Rights for Children) was the centerpiece of his orphanage in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation.
"Janusz Korczak is a true hero," said Peter C. Brosius CTC artistic director. "I wanted to celebrate his life theatrically and share his extraordinary commitment to children with our audiences. Jeffrey Hatcher has taken a monumental set of circumstances and made them intimate, tender, funny and deeply moving."
The play begins as the end draws near for Korczak and his children. Korczak's dignity, wisdom and humor are ever present as he lets his young charges put on a play. It is his hope that the enactment of the play, "The Post Office" by Nobel Prize winning author Rabindranath Tagore, will imbue them with the courage and hope they will need to face what lies ahead.
"Korczak's Children is a play for children," says playwright Hatcher. "It is not for the very young, but it is for children old enough to understand. Children are the weakest and most innocent victims of war, often by way of what is now called 'collateral damage,' but the deaths of Korczak and his orphans was not the result of stray shells or bullets. Their deaths were coolly deliberated. It is an atrocity, part of the world's history and the history of children. And while there is everything to mourn in the story, it is also a testament to goodness, decency and the determination of Korczak and his children."
Once again, The Children's Theatre Company has scheduled events that relate to the themes and issues of the mainstage production as part of the Around Series. These events and activities, which are usually free and always open to the public, are designed to explore, embrace and celebrate the world in which we live. The Around Series for this production includes CTC's First Family Film Festival in partnership with The Minneapolis Festival of Jewish Films, and Dr. Robert O. Fisch, a professor and holocaust survivor will share the art he created to help himself heal as well as his stories set to music.
"Korczak's Children" is written by Jeffery Hatcher, with direction by Eric Simonson, costume design by Karin Kopischke, scenic design by Neil Patel, lighting design by Nancy Schertler and music and sound design by Victor Zupanc.
WHEN:
"Korczak's Children" previews March 18-20 2003, opens March 21 and runs through April 19, 2003. There will be a PAY WHAT YOU CAN performance on Tuesday, April 1st at 7:30 pm.
WHERE:
The Children's Theatre Company, Mainstage, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
TICKET INFORMATION:
Ticket prices are $9-22 for children, seniors, and students, and $15-28 for adults. Contact the Children's Theatre Company Ticket Office at 612-874-0400 or order online at www.childrenstheatre.org
Photos are now on-line at www.ctcpix.org.
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