Győri Balett: Eli, Eli

I would be twenty-three
this July...
In a daring game, I placed my bet,
The dice rolled – I lost.
/Szenes Hanna – Budapest, June 20, 1944. Her last poem written in prison./

 

She did not ask for mercy. She lived 23 years.
The short life of Hanna Szenes is a story of determination, faith, and will to act. Born into an assimilated Jewish family, Zionism grew strong in her in response to the Jewish laws. So much so that in 1939 she emigrated to Palestine and joined the Haganah there. She became one of the paratroopers trained by the British forces to prevent the deportation of Hungarian Jews. She was captured, imprisoned, and tortured. She remained silent. Sentenced to death by firing squad. She did not ask for mercy…

 

Through the sensitive choreography of László Velekei and the dancers of the Győri Balett, the audience can follow this life journey in the sacred space of the Győr Synagogue.

 

The performance was created with the support of Mazsihisz, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, Mazsök, and the Győr Jewish Community.

Duration: 60 minutes