Remembering Rhodes: Torn Apart by War Play Reading + Musical Performance

This year marks 80 years since the destruction of the Jewish communities of Rhodes and the other Dodecanese islands. The Jews of Greece experienced both the best and the worst of humanity. While the majority of the Jewish community of Salonika was murdered, the entire community of Zakynthos was saved. The community of Rhodes Island was decimated.

We are honoured to commemorate this history with a reading of Torn Apart By War, a heart-rending story of a couple whose lives were shattered by the Holocaust. Playwright Vic Alhadeff’s poignant work was inspired by his father’s own agonising journey from Rhodes.

The talented Joanna Weinberg, Geoff Sirmai, Tony Sloman, and Liz Hovey will bring the play to life. The performance will be followed by delicious Greek treats and a special musical performance.

This special evening is supported by the Consulate General of Greece and the Consul General, Mr. Yannis Mallikourtis, who will be in attendance.

Vic Alhadeff OAM
Vic Alhadeff OAM has dedicated his career to championing human rights causes. He was awarded an OAM in the 2024 Australia's Day Honours, recognising his contribution to the Jewish community and media. He achieved the passage of a new law—Section 93Z of the NSW Crimes Act—outlawing incitement to violence on the basis of race, religion, gender and sexual preference. He received the NSW Premier's Award for his contribution to civil society. He was appointed Chair of Multicultural NSW, bringing together diverse communities. As former CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, he represented the Jewish community for 17 years, working to advance social inclusion and combat racism. He served as editor of the Australian Jewish News, leading campaigns for Indigenous rights and LGBTQ+ rights, winning a Mardi Gras Media Award. He is currently on the board of SBS; is an author of two books on South African history; and has run 25 marathons. He led Cape Town's anti-apartheid newspaper The Cape Times in exposing the racist system of government, leading to the resignation of the President of South Africa. His parents were born on Rhodes Island, from where 151 Alhadeffs, including his paternal grandparents, were deported to Auschwitz and murdered.

About Joanna Weinberg
Joanna Weinberg has been active in the theatre community for four decades. She features in the recent book ‘The Australian Musical’ as a fresh new writing voice in musical theatre. Recent career highlights include The Piano Diaries (2011), the multi-award-winning musical film Goddess (2012), Sydney Fringe-winner Mother of All Journeys (2013), the GLUG award-winning Man of La Mancha for Squabbalogic, Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs at Hayes Theatre (2016), Pandora's Bag on Spotify and Hayes Theatre (2017), The Secret Singer at Eternity Playhouse (2018), the GLUG award-winning ONCE (2019), MINKY Opens a Gallery at Sydney Fringe (2019), La Luna the musical at Emanuel Synagogue (2023), private lounge concert Brief Tales (2023), and historical musical romp The Millers Point Songbook (2024). 

About Geoff Sirmai
‘Half-watchdog, half-wit’ Geoff traded in his high profile journalist and consumer advocate kippah for one as full-time performer, musician and arts publicist. From Comic Roasts, the Renaissance Players' early music group, to countless stage and screen roles, including The Laden Table, The Diary of Anne Frank, Fiddler on the Roof and The Merchant of Venice, among them, he has appeared on virtually every stage in Sydney. He is also an original star of Theatresports (including his own hit communal spin-off Kosher Theatresports) and founding director of the AUJS Revues (now known as “The Jew Revue”). Communal star turns include many revues, Purim spiels and comedy debates.

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