By Fern Sidman

A poignant new theater production titled “OCTOBER 7” has debuted in New York City, bringing to the stage the harrowing testimonies of those who witnessed one of Israel’s most tragic days. The play, “OCTOBER 7” opened on May 2 and runs until June 16 at the Actors Temple Theater in the storied theater district of the Big Apple aims to offer an unfiltered glimpse into the personal horrors and enduring impact of the events of October 7, as recounted by the survivors themselves.

The production is the brainchild of Irish playwrights Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney, who traveled to Israel in the immediate aftermath of the brutal attacks to gather firsthand accounts from those directly affected, as was reported in The Daily Mail of the UK. Their journey into the heart of the tragedy has culminated in a play that not only tells stories but also challenges the audience to confront the raw realities of such a pivotal moment in history.

“OCTOBER 7” features a wide range of voices, from young to old, secular to religious, providing a tapestry of personal perspectives that together paint a vivid picture of the day’s impact on individuals and the nation as a whole, according to the Daily Mail report. These stories of survival and loss transcend individual experiences, reflecting the collective trauma and resilience of a community in the aftermath of violence.

The play strives to serve as a reminder of the importance of remembering and acknowledging the full scope of events that day, ensuring that the narratives of the survivors are heard and not eclipsed by the broader geopolitical discourse. It challenges the audience to reflect on the human aspects of conflict, the individual stories behind the headlines, and the profound effects of such events on everyday lives.

One of the most gripping tales featured in the play is that of a police officer who faced Hamas gunmen with nothing but a pistol and nine bullets, as per the information provided in The Daily Mail report. This act of incredible bravery resulted in the saving of dozens of lives, encapsulating the themes of courage and quick thinking under pressure. The officer’s story is not just about survival but also about making split-second decisions that hold the weight of many lives.

Another impactful narrative comes from Biliya Michal, a grandmother in her late fifties, who, along with her family, survived the attack on her Kibbutz by hiding on the roof under solar panels. Tragically, her son was killed in their house, sacrificing himself to allow his family to escape. This dramatic and heart-wrenching story is brought to life with the inclusion of real video footage showing the family’s desperate hideout until their rescue by police officer Itamar Illouz, who also figures prominently in the play, as was explained in The Daily Mail report. Illouz, a 50-year-old police officer, defended the town of Ofakim, killing two terrorists and saving numerous lives through his heroic actions.

The play also recounts the experience of Shani Arditi, a 25-year-old who was attending the Nova festival when the attacks occurred. Arditi’s survival story of hiding for hours in a thorny field captures a different type of endurance—the quiet, painful wait for safety. Similarly, it portrays Dennis, an off-duty IDF soldier originally from Azerbaijan, who, despite being shot five times by terrorists in Ofakim, represents the resilience and fighting spirit of those caught in the crossfire, the Daily Mail report noted,

Another act delves into the agonizing hours spent by a survivor in a bomb shelter, knowing their spouse lay dead outside. The Daily Mail also reported that this narrative explores the depths of despair and the strength required to endure such knowledge while waiting for rescue.

Despite its focus on tragedy and survival, “OCTOBER 7” intersperses moments of humor, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the Israeli people. These lighter moments are vital, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted ways individuals cope with crisis—sometimes through tears, and sometimes through laughter.

Actor Geoffrey Cantor, best known as Mitchell Ellison in both Marvel’s Daredevil and The Punisher on Netflix, said in a statement, “On October 7, terror came to Israel, with a level of precision, and on a scale she had never experienced before. The terrorists targeted civilians, women, children, and peace-loving concertgoers. They committed acts of such extreme savage brutality that they defy imagination. For Jews, it was an emotional atomic bomb, the impact of which sent shockwaves that rocked and shook the souls of our people around the world. Including me.

He continued by saying, “I’ve felt helpless in the face of what has happened since that day. And those who would politicize or justify what happened that day, or even deny that it happened at all, spin the false narratives that have been flying through the ether of social media, screamed on college campuses, and poisoning the reporting of news since the October 8. Israel is constantly demonized, and those who simply believe in her right to exist are now the villains and oppressors of the world. The result is an exponential rise in overt anti-Semitism, considered by some to be just what we deserve. “

Cantor added that,” then this came along — the opportunity to do something positive in these turbulent times. Daunting in scope, it has been both an empowering and truly humbling experience.

October 7 is testimony — a collective sharing of traumatic memory. It isn’t political. It isn’t commentary. Our only job was to find the balance between the devastation of what these people experienced, and the incredible force of hope and resilience that they embody, and to share that with the audience through the truth of their words. We committed ourselves as a company to ensure that the authentic voices of these remarkable people are heard so that others might be touched by their humanity and extraordinary resilience. And I have no doubt that you will be.”

The play’s creators, Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney, have crafted a piece that does more than tell stories—it invites audiences to witness the complexity of human emotions in times of conflict. The diverse experiences portrayed in the play, from tales of unimaginable bravery to those of profound loss and quiet strength, aim to ensure that the horrors of October 7 are neither forgotten nor oversimplified.

As “OCTOBER 7” opens its curtains, it promises to be not just a theatrical event but a communal moment of reflection, remembrance, and understanding of the resilience that defines humanity in its darkest hours.

Tickets are sold online at www.october7theplay.com.