16th Street Theater Presents “The Missing Stories” – A Powerful One-Man Show About Holocaust Survival

Berwyn, Illinois – February 16-18, 2024 – 16th Street Theater proudly presented the emotionally charged one-man show “The Missing Stories”, written by Elise Dubois and performed by Peter R. LeGrand, on February 16, 17, and 18, 2024 at the Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center in Berwyn.

The show tells the poignant and personal story of Elise Dubois, who was born in 1936 in the Netherlands and lived through the Second World War. After the war, Elise discovered the tragic fate of her mother’s family, who perished in the concentration camps in Germany and Poland. Overcome by grief and curiosity, Elise embarked on extensive research and, with support from those around her, wrote “The Missing Stories”—a tribute to her family’s history, a narrative her mother could never share.

In this intimate performance, Peter R. LeGrand brought Elise’s powerful words to life, recounting the lives of three generations of Elise’s family. The show explored their hardships, their untimely deaths, and their survival against the backdrop of a devastating global conflict. Through LeGrand’s storytelling, the audience gained insight into the emotional weight of the Holocaust and its profound impact on future generations.

Peter R. LeGrand, a Dutch American storyteller, teacher, and woodworker, used his own experiences and family history to shape the performance. His mother and grandmother’s writings were interwoven with his own personal stories to create a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of his family, honoring their suffering, survival, and strength. LeGrand’s belief in the importance of learning from history resonated throughout the performance, as he reminded the audience of the continuing relevance of the Holocaust’s lessons in today’s world of geopolitical instability.

Event Details:

• Event Name: The Missing Stories
• Written by: Elise Dubois
• Performed by: Peter R. LeGrand
• Dates: February 16, 2024 (7:00 PM), February 17, 2024 (7:00 PM), February 18, 2024 (2:00 PM)
• Location: Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center, 1529 Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
• Ticket Price: $15 per performance
• Note: This performance contains depictions of historical events related to the Holocaust. Discretion is advised.

The show sold out quickly, underscoring the importance and relevance of these personal and historical narratives. Attendees expressed their gratitude for the moving and enlightening performance, which offered a rare and deep dive into a family’s painful but essential history.

The 16th Street Theater is proud to have brought this important work to the community and extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who attended.

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