On January 16th, middle and high school students at the Lycée Français International Simone Veil experienced a deeply moving moment: the performance of the play Back to Birkenau, staged by the theatre company Acontratempo.
Adapted from the autobiography of Ginette Kolinka, a survivor of Auschwitz-Birkenau, this powerful production gives voice to the unspeakable. On stage, Capucine Derval delivered a poignant and heartfelt performance, reviving through her words the horror of the camps, but also the resilience and dignity of those who endured them.
Our students were profoundly moved by the actress’s portrayal and the strength of the story. After the performance, they had the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful exchange with the cast, discussing the artistic choices, the direction, and above all, the importance of passing on the memory of the Holocaust to younger generations.
This event held even more meaning as it took place just days before January 27th, the International Holocaust Remembrance Day – marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
A heartfelt thank you to the troupe led by Emily Lombi, who came all the way to Düsseldorf to share this moment of theatre and remembrance with our students.
A living tribute – essential, powerful, and profoundly human.
