ONLY A GIRL
THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IRENE GUT OPDYKE
“Only a Girl” tells the true story of Irene Gut Opdyke a Holocaust rescuer who, at the age of 17, helped save hundreds of lives during the Second World War. Based on personal interviews with Irene, this remarkable tale of courage and commitment comes to life. The piece is told through narrative “visited memories”, film images, and original music and songs. “Only a Girl” carries us back with Irene through her idyllic childhood in pre-war Poland to her days with the Polish resistance and onward…
"...only a girl is a life altering experience for each soul who attends..."
This play celebrates the courage of survivor and rescuer and hopes to continue Irene's voice and mission..That through hope and love and the shedding of supposed differences, we can find our single humanity. And in that humanity, reach out to one another without fear, only love…..
Excerpt from letters sent to Irene after hearing her speak:
"...YOUR MESSAGE IS SO IMPORTANT TO ALL OF US. LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING ARE SO NEECESSARY-HEARING YOU SPEAK GAVE ME THANKFUL REASSURANCE THAT THIS KIND OF VITAL LOVE STILL EXISTS..."
"...THE MEDIA AND OUR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS CONCENTRATE SO MUCH ON THE NEGATIVE NATURE OF MAN, THAT OFTEN TIMES WE IGNORE OUR HEROES, AND MRS. OPDYKE YOU ARE MY HERO....."
"...YOU HAVE SHOWN ME THAT THIS WORLD AS IMPERFECT AS IT MAY BE IS STILL FILLED WITH PEOPLE OF YOUR BEAUTY AND LOVE...KNOWING THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD LIKE YOU, MAKES LIFE WORTH LIVING. YOU ARE MY IDOL THE ONE I WILL TRY TO FOLLOW IN MY YEARS AHEAD...."