The Courage to Be

A performance about hope, even where we might not expect it. The original production The Courage to Be brings a powerful story inspired by the life of actress Dalma Špitzerová and her sisters Lily and Iboja, who fled deportation. It loosely works with the autobiographical novel Mulberry by the youngest of the sisters, the Slovak-Danish writer Iboja Wandall-Holm. The project was created within the framework of the international project Theatre of Remembrance, in cooperation between the LUDUS school, Theatre LUDUS, and the organisation Post Bellum. The production features a young collective of five actresses and one actor, approximately the age Dalma was during the war. Despite life-threatening situations and racial persecution, she did not give up and behaved courageously. The production does not merely convey dry facts about events of modern history, but is an open dialogue between the younger generation and history, and its messages for today. It is not only a story about the Holocaust and the horrors of concentration camps, but also a memento of how easily society can succumb to the weakening of democracy, tolerance, and freedom – and where that can lead. LUDUS School of Arts is a private elementary art school whose core is its literary-dramatic department. It is based on the principle of “school through play.” It has a long tradition – in 2025 it celebrated the 55th anniversary of its existence – and functions as a creative environment for personal as well as artistic development. Many graduates have gone on from the school to study art and work in artistic professions. The professional Theatre LUDUS was under the authority of the Bratislava self-governing region until 2025, but since 2026 it has operated as a civic association. Its goal is to restore the theatre’s activity and return to the original idea that theatre and school form one living whole. Theatre of Remembrance is an annual theatrical manifestation held on 27 January, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Young people (assisted by professional directors) across Europe reinforce the significance of this day through commemorative performances. These performances are inspired by the living discussions young people have with eyewitnesses or members of the second generation after the Second World War, and by their research into the history of their neighbourhoods, towns, or villages. The performances explore history while also reflecting the ways in which this history continues to shape life and society today. In 2026, the 9th edition took place, with the Dutch organisation Theater Na de Dam serving as this year’s project leader.