‘October 7’ Play to Mark One Year Since Hamas Terrorist Attacks with Los Angeles Performance
- The play features testimonies from survivors of the October 7 Hamas attacks.
- UCLA was chosen as the venue due to its recent history of anti-Israel protests.
- The performance aims to educate the audience about the events and inspire resilience.
A special performance of the stage play 'October 7' will take place at UCLA on October 7, marking one year since the Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. The play incorporates verbatim testimonies from survivors, including those who attended the Nova music festival during the attacks. The writers, Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer, aim to present an uplifting narrative that highlights the resilience and inspiring stories of the survivors rather than focusing solely on the tragedy. The choice of UCLA as the venue is significant, given the campus's recent history of anti-Israel protests and encampments. Earlier this year, these protests escalated to the point where pro-Israel students faced physical confrontations. The writers believe that the performance will help educate the UCLA community about the events of October 7 and the ongoing conflict. The staged reading will be a one-night-only event, featuring a post-performance Q&A session with the cast and playwrights. The creators of the play have previously produced works that have garnered attention, including a film about Hunter Biden. They emphasize the importance of sharing these survivor stories to foster understanding and empathy. Overall, 'October 7' seeks to provide a platform for voices that have been affected by the attacks, aiming to inspire audiences with the strength and resilience of those who lived through the events of that day.