“What colour eyes you have doesn’t matter to me. Does it have to matter to you? We all love to play don’t we?”
The world premiere of a new work by Diane Samuels (author of award-winning Kindertransport).
AS LONG AS WE ARE BREATHING is a multi-sensory, mixed media and timely evocation of the true-life story of Miriam Freedman.
Directed by Ben Caplan, the piece conjures Miriam’s childhood experience of living in danger, hiding with some of her family in Slovakia during the Holocaust and charts her journey to London in adulthood where she discovered yoga and meditation which enabled her to face and begin to process the depths of her trauma and grief.
Live music accompanies audio and video footage, personal testimony and physical theatre to piece together an intimate, surprising and moving encounter with Miriam’s older and younger self. We invite audiences to delve within to contemplate Miriam’s loss and search for healing, peace and forgiveness in a shared theatrical experience.
Audiences are invited to stay in the space after each performance until 9pm to reflect on the piece, share their thoughts, and are welcome to take a closer look at the playing space.
Post-Show Events :
“Humane and heartfelt performances provide a focal point for this highly personal response to the trauma of the Holocaust ... Zoe Goriely is magnetic” – The Stage
★★★★ “Multi-sensory memoir is both numbing and terrifying” – Broadway World
★★★★ “Entertaining and educational and held the audience spellbound as the tale unfolded ... Miriam’s story is one that should be heard, seen, and lived through. As Long As We Are Breathing, is really good theatre.” – London Theatre 1
★★★★ “A cast of three brings multitudinous talent to the multiplicity of forms ... Innovative and timely” – Mark Lawson – The Guardian
★★★★ “Playwright Diane Samuels has created a truly touching homage to the life of Miriam Freedman ... a story which will hopefully and deservedly be told again and again and again” – A Youngish Perspective
★★★★ “As Long As We Are Breathing is truly a multi-sensory immersive experience.” – Operation Live Theatre
★★★★ “Miriam’s story is told excellently by the cast” – Stage Masters
★★★★ “A mindful, sensitive and emotional journey through one woman’s life... intimate storytelling” – Everything Theatre
★★★★ “Beautiful and unusual; theatre as a sacred space” – London Pub Theatres
★★★★ “What an extraordinary story it is, and what an honour to hear it.” – North West End
“Jasmin Colangelo’s movement brings expressive power to several scenes and Isabella Van Braeckel’s set design has some gorgeous touches” – There Ought to be Clowns
“Do see this exceptional and brave piece of theatrical memory” – Fringe Review – Hidden Gem
“A deeply moving and innovative production that explores survival, trauma, and healing through a unique blend of storytelling, movement, and mindfulness ... With a powerful lead performance and an immersive theatrical approach, this production offers an unforgettable exploration of resilience and hope” – 5 Things To Do Today
“Caroline Gruber gives a truly powerful performance” – Reviews Hub
“The acting is superb” – Theatre and Tonic
