‘Riots are modern-day pogroms,’ says producer of new theatre show backed by Spielberg
INSPIRATION: Harold Bermitz
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
A timely reminder of the historic fight against fascism will come in a theatre production in Beverley next month – which has the backing of Hollywood film director Steven Spielberg.
Harold’s War, which has its premiere at East Riding Theatre on Friday, September 5, tells the story of Harold Bermitz, the Hull-born son of refugee immigrants who were given sanctuary in the city after fleeing violent pogroms.
Harold went on to fight the Nazis and the play tells the story of his family’s wartime experiences as a radio-style podcast. Harold went on to become a director of Hull City and founded a national sports advertising business in Hull with his son Richard.
It not only charts the events of World War Two through family experiences but also recalls the rising tensions in mainland Europe and at home in Britain.
FAMILY STORY: Jonathan Levy, left, and son Daniel
It includes the Battle of Corporation Field in Hull in 1936 when the British Union of Fascists leader Oswald Mosley and his ‘Black Shirts’ were seen off by 10,000 dockers, railway workers and other anti-fascists and members of the local Jewish community.
The play is produced by Harold’s son-in-law Jonathan Levy.
“Harold’s War tells the story of a Hull boy’s battle for Britain against the Nazis together with his brothers, extended family and friends,” said Jonathan.
The project is based around interviews with Harold and other family members nearly 30 years ago for a school project by Jonathan’s son Daniel.
Although those featured are no longer alive their recorded testimony is their legacy and is being made public for the first time, together with live narration and dramatised sequences of conversations recreated and letters.
The original project was praised by Steven Spielberg after he was sent a copy for the Shoah Foundation archive of survivor stories. He has now sent Jonathan his best wishes for the production.
In a message from his office at Amblin Partners, Spielberg expressed his: “Warmest admiration for continuing to craft a beautiful and touching tribute to the memory of your family.
“Projects like these are truly inspirational! More importantly, they honour the generation who lived through such dark times.
“We all wish you the very best for what will undoubtedly be a very moving performance.”
LEGACY: Harold Bermitz aged 13
Jonathan said: “Harold Bermitz was my father-in-law and the youngest son of refugee immigrants who had arrived in Hull via a boat from the Baltic in the early 20th century to escape violent pogroms, as had my own grandparents.
“The stimulus to create this production started last year as I became aware of the growing support for extreme right-wing movements in Europe, together with disturbing global events, conflicts and geopolitical volatility.
“The recent riots have only reinforced these concerns. They are essentially modern-day pogroms but the overwhelming anti-fascist and anti-racism response is heartwarming and resonates with the stand taken in Hull back in the 1930s.”
Among the local cast of actors will be Harold’s granddaughter Hannah Levy, Hull-born Robert Wade, plus Richard Avery, who is also the project’s co-producer and artistic director at the theatre. Jonathan is an award-winning documentary producer who will narrate the production which he has also written.
The performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18 (Concessions £15) and are available from the box office at www.eastridingtheatre.co.uk or by calling 01482 874050.
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