A travelling exhibition, short film, storytelling and more launch MJM and IWM’s Holocaust Memorial Day project

To coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) this Thursday, Manchester Jewish Museum (MJM) and Imperial War Museums (IWM) launch their year-long Holocaust Memorial project with a short film created by local artist Becky Prestwich and students from King David High School and Manchester College. Combining photography with poetry inspired by stories from the museum’s collection, the short reflects what HMD means to young people today and will be available to watch via the MJM website and social media. The film marks the beginning of a year-long project where young people will explore new ways to commemorate the Holocaust today.

This is the first instalment in a year-long project that MJM is working on with the Imperial War Museum (IWM), which culminates on HMD 2023 in a performance created by Prestwich and the young people involved that uncovers hidden stories about the Holocaust whilst exploring the questions it poses today. One example of the stories is that of Leo’s Teddy Bear, a toy that was brought to England by Leo Marcus. It once belonged to his son, who didn’t survive the Holocaust.

“I am really inspired to work on such an important project,” said Prestwich, who has previously directed the Royal Exchange Theatre’s Young Company and written for radio and television, including Holby City and Doctors. “The young people are already fizzing with ideas,” she continued. “I’m excited to work with them to explore the museum’s collections and speak to people across the communities to create an event that will connect different generations in meaningful reflection.”

Coinciding with MJM’s performance for HMD 2023 will be the arrival of touring exhibition One Story, Many Voices, which first opened at IWM London in October 2021 alongside the museum's new Holocaust galleries. It has already begun its UK-wide tour, currently showing at the Holocaust Exhibition and Learning Centre at the University of Huddersfield (until 11 Feb). After that it moves to Cornwall (19 Feb-18 Apr); Scotland (Apr-Jun); Tyne & Wear (Jun-Aug); Northern Ireland (Aug-Oct); Wales (Nov-Dec); Manchester (Jan-Feb 2023); and the Midlands (Feb-Mar 2023).

The installation shares stories from across the UK that explore lesser-known experiences of the Holocaust and World War II. MJM’s contribution is Alone But Together written by playwright Nicola Baldwin alongside students from King David High School and facilitator Kate Bradnam, and performed by Laura Sophie Helbig and Steph Houtman. It tells the fictional story of Frieda, Esther and Lily, inspired by true stories in the museum’s collection of Jewish women who migrated to the UK on domestic visas, such as Helga Gorney, who got her visa to come to Britain on her 18th birthday.

Other contributions include another by Nicola Baldwin, The Scots Pine for the Devil’s Porridge Museum in Dumfries and Galloway, and What Can You Do? by Michael Rosen for the Centre for the Movement of People at Aberystwyth University. All eight of the stories can be heard on the One Story, Many Voices website.

This week also sees a takeover of MJM’s Instagram account by young people, who will share stories and questions about the role of HMD. There will also be a space in the museum for anyone who wants to share their own reflections.

By Danielle Goldstein

Header photo: Alone But Together, courtesy of Manchester Jewish Museum

MJM is looking for more young people based in Manchester to join the project, if you’re aged 16-25 (or know someone who is) and would like to take part, email the museum’s creative director Dara Laughlin at dara@manchesterjewishmuseum.com.

To find out where you can see One Story, Many Voices, visit the listings pages or onestorymanyvoices.iwm.org.uk.