The play October 7 tells the story of the victims of a tragic attack by Hamas on a music festival near the Gaza-Israeli barrier. Michael Zilberman, a medic in the Israel Defense Forces, received a text message from his daughter, Rachel, during the attack but was unable to save her in time. The play aims to share the stories of these victims in their own words, using verbatim interviews conducted by producers Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney. The couple is known for creating controversial theater productions based on direct quotes, such as FBI Lovebirds: Undercovers about former FBI operatives Lisa Page and Peter Strzok.
McAleer and McElhinney traveled to Israel to conduct interviews with survivors of the October 7 attack in preparation for their play. They aim to shed light on the experiences of those who witnessed death and destruction or lost loved ones during the tragic event. The play will delve into the emotional and traumatic experiences of individuals like Michael Zilberman and Michal Bilia, who faced the horrors of the attack firsthand. The production is set to debut in New York in May before potentially traveling to other locations, including Ivy League colleges where the producers believe antisemitism is prevalent.
The play is expected to stir controversy, much like McAleer and McElhinney’s previous productions, due to its sensitive subject matter. The story will include firsthand accounts of families trying to escape the violence, as narrated by survivors like Michal Bilia. The play aims to convey the fear, trauma, and loss experienced by those caught in the midst of the attack, highlighting the resilience and courage displayed by many individuals. The cast for the production has not been announced yet, but negotiations are underway to bring the play to universities and other venues to raise awareness about the tragic event.
The play will confront difficult topics related to the attack and its aftermath, including the portrayals of Israeli victims and the complex political dynamics surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas. McAleer and McElhinney hope to give a voice to those affected by the attack and bring attention to the ongoing trauma faced by the survivors. By telling these stories in a verbatim format, the producers aim to provide an authentic and impactful representation of the events surrounding October 7, 2022. The Actors Temple Theatre in New York, where the play will premiere, is a fitting setting for the production, given its historical significance and role as an off-Broadway theater.
Through their interviews and research in Israel, McAleer and McElhinney encountered reluctance from some victims to share their stories, reflecting the ongoing trauma and sensitivity surrounding the event. The couple worked to assure the survivors that their words would be used verbatim and treated with respect in the production. The play aims to challenge preconceived notions and raise awareness about the lasting impact of violence and conflict, particularly in regions like Israel and Gaza. By bringing these stories to the stage, McAleer and McElhinney hope to honor the memories of the victims and shed light on the human cost of political turmoil and violence.
