A collaborative event from the AJR and Young JW3, inviting young descendants of Holocaust refugees and survivors to a performance of the new play Trudy Zeller Lives Here, followed by afternoon tea and a guided discussion in a private space exploring identity, memory and humour in Holocaust family narratives.
Timings
2pm - Afternoon performance of Trudy Zeller
3.30pm – Afternoon tea and a guided discussion facilitated by AJR’s Head of Education, Alex Maws, reflecting on the play and their experiences of being 3rd/4th generation
5pm - Event ends
What to expect
A thought‑provoking and unexpectedly funny portrayal of a young descendant navigating inherited trauma, family myths, and the search for meaning
Space to share personal reflections in a supportive, peer‑based environment
Insight into how theatre can open new ways of engaging with Holocaust memory
Opportunities to connect with others who share similar backgrounds and questions
Who is this event for?
Young descendants (3rd and 4th generation) connected to Holocaust refugee or survivor families
AJR members and YoungJW3 participants interested in heritage, identity, and creative approaches to memory
Those curious about how contemporary theatre engages with Holocaust family narratives
No prior knowledge of Holocaust history or theatre is required. Attendees simply need an interest in heritage engagement and a willingness to participate in an open, respectful conversation. This event offers a rare chance to see a new piece of theatre, and to explore your own heritage in a warm, welcoming environment. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to connect with others, reflect on their family story, and experience a creative approach to Holocaust memory that is both moving and unexpectedly uplifting.
About Trudy Zeller Lives Here
About the session following the theatre
About Alex Maws MBE
Alex Maws has worked in the Holocaust educational field for more than 20 years.
As the Head of Education and Heritage at the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR), Alex champions and evaluates educational programmes across the UK.
He is a member of the UK delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and partners with UNESCO and other international organisations to train educators and policy makers globally on issues relating to the Holocaust and antisemitism. He is the producer and host of the AJR’s ‘Kindertransport’ podcast and the creator of the online UK Holocaust Map.
Prior to joining the AJR in 2017, he was Head of Education at the Holocaust Educational Trust.
He has also worked at Facing History & Ourselves and was a classroom teacher in East London. Alex earned an MA in Social Justice & Education from the UCL Institute of Education and a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan.
About AJR
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) is the largest community of descendants of the Holocaust in the UK and warmly welcomes everyone with a connection, or interest in this history. The AJR funds Holocaust learning to carry forward the memory of the Holocaust, combat antisemitism and produce groundbreaking resources to advance and enhance Holocaust research for future generations. The AJR is proud to be the exclusive charity supporting a unique and remarkable community, united by a shared history and a deep commitment to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive.
For more information and to join as a member click here: https://ajr.org.uk/ajr-membership/why-become-a-member/
