Irena's Vow

Irena's Vow by Dan Gordon

(7)
Productions (61)
Drama
|
95 - 100 minutes
4 W, 6 M,  (10-23 actors possible: 4-16 W, 6-17 M)
Content Notes: Adult content
Set: Platforms, projections, representative furniture.

Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. 19-year-old Irena Gut is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help twelve Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant's house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time.

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Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Media Gallery

Play Details

Through the eyes of a strong-willed woman comes the remarkable true story of Irena Gut Opdyke and the triumphs of the human spirit over devastating tragedy. 19-year-old Irena Gut is promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer when she finds out that the Jewish ghetto is about to be liquidated. Determined to help twelve Jewish workers, she decides to shelter them in the safest place she can think of: the basement of the German commandant's house. Over the next two years, Irena uses her wit, humor, and courage to hide her friends until the end of the German occupation, concealing them in the midst of countless Nazi parties, a blackmail scheme, and even the birth of a child. Her story is one of the most inspiring of our time.

  • Drama
  • |
  • 95 - 100 minutes
  • 4 W, 6 M,  (10-23 actors possible: 4-16 W, 6-17 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult content
  • Set: Platforms, projections, representative furniture.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-189-8

Published Reviews

"The emotions this stage biography stirs in theatergoers are genuine, a testament to the bravery and tenacity of the woman whose real-life story is being told. Irena's Vow serves as a compelling, heartfelt reminder of her incredible courage."

Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press

"A transcendent tale of courage and inspiration for our tumultuous times."

Deborah Barrow, Women on the Web

"It's certainly a compelling slice of history that playwright Dan Gordon has landed on, and he delivers it sturdily."

Andy Propst, American Theatre Web

"...engrossing and enlivening..."

Liz Smith, Variety

"A sure-fire crowd pleaser... Gordon has written an effective thriller."

John Simon, Bloomberg News

"Awe-inspiring, with enough dramatic moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. Dan Gordon's script is effective at gleaning the drama and ethical imperatives in Irena's tale, yet he punctuates them with occasional comic moments to cut the unending terror."

Fern Siegel, Huffington Post

"Gripping... An amazing story...gets the tear ducts flooding."

Joe Dziemianowicz, New York Daily News

"Compelling true story of courage and heroism. An engrossing tale laced with suspense, horror and uplifting humanity."

Dan Rooney, Daily Variety

"Dan Gordon has written a fine work that not only shows the horrors of anti-Semitism and genocide in Nazi-controlled Poland, but also illuminates the possibilities for forgiveness and reconciliation."

William Gooch, Stage and Cinema

Production History

JAN 24, 2025 - FEB 01, 2025
Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts Society
Abbotsford, BC Canada
 Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts Society Abbotsford, BC Canada
JUL 11, 2024 - JUL 21, 2024
Powerstories Theatre
Tampa, FL United States
 Powerstories Theatre Tampa, FL United States
NOV 03, 2022 - NOV 05, 2022
Kenmore Theater West
Buffalo, NY United States
 Kenmore Theater West Buffalo, NY United States
MAY 11, 2022 - MAY 11, 2022
Shtark Contrast
Hewlett, NY United States
 Shtark Contrast Hewlett, NY United States
APR 25, 2022 - APR 25, 2022
Round Lake High School
Round Lake, IL United States
 Round Lake High School Round Lake, IL United States
MAR 18, 2021 - APR 30, 2021
Theatre at The Colony
The Colony, TX United States
 Theatre at The Colony The Colony, TX United States
FEB 22, 2020 - FEB 22, 2020
Congregation Keneseth Israel
Allentown, PA United States
 Congregation Keneseth Israel Allentown, PA United States
FEB 20, 2020 - MAR 06, 2020
Thunder Theatre
El Paso, TX United States
 Thunder Theatre El Paso, TX United States
FEB 13, 2020 - FEB 22, 2020
Albert Lea Community Theatre
Albert Lea, MN United States
 Albert Lea Community Theatre Albert Lea, MN United States
MAY 03, 2019 - MAY 04, 2019
Nussbaum theatricals
Montezuma, GA United States
 Nussbaum theatricals Montezuma, GA United States
MAY 01, 2019 - MAY 31, 2019
Piedmont High School
Monroe, NC United States
 Piedmont High School Monroe, NC United States
MAY 01, 2019 - MAY 16, 2019
J-Town Playhouse & AACI Glassman Family Center
Jerusalem, Israel
 J-Town Playhouse & AACI Glassman Family Center Jerusalem, Israel
APR 07, 2018 - APR 14, 2018
TryLight Theatre Co.
Kenora, ON Canada
 TryLight Theatre Co. Kenora, ON Canada
JAN 06, 2018 - JAN 06, 2018
Fossil Ridge High School Theatre Department
Fort Worth, TX United States
 Fossil Ridge High School Theatre Department Fort Worth, TX United States
OCT 26, 2017 - OCT 28, 2017
VHS Theatre Booster
Austin, TX United States
 VHS Theatre Booster Austin, TX United States
OCT 24, 2017 - NOV 17, 2017
Coram Deo Academy
Lewisville, TX United States
 Coram Deo Academy Lewisville, TX United States
MAR 31, 2017 - APR 02, 2017
Thomas More College Villa Players
Crestview Hills, KY United States
 Thomas More College Villa Players Crestview Hills, KY United States
MAR 26, 2017 - MAR 26, 2017
Permanent Chair Of Polish Culture Canisius College
Buffalo, NY United States
 Permanent Chair Of Polish Culture Canisius College Buffalo, NY United States
FEB 02, 2017 - FEB 04, 2017
Sycamore High School
Cincinnati, OH United States
 Sycamore High School Cincinnati, OH United States
JAN 12, 2017 - JAN 22, 2017
Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MI United States
 Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Grand Rapids, MI United States
NOV 03, 2016 - NOV 05, 2016
West Morris Central High School
Chester, NJ United States
 West Morris Central High School Chester, NJ United States
OCT 14, 2016 - OCT 23, 2016
Kent State University
Kent, OH United States
 Kent State University Kent, OH United States
MAR 10, 2016 - APR 02, 2016
Lake Dallas ISD
Corinth, TX United States
 Lake Dallas ISD Corinth, TX United States
JUL 24, 2015 - AUG 08, 2015
Town Players of New Canaan
New Canaan, CT United States
 Town Players of New Canaan New Canaan, CT United States
MAR 03, 2015 - MAR 08, 2015
Pohai Nani
Kaneohe, HI United States
 Pohai Nani Kaneohe, HI United States
NOV 07, 2014 - NOV 08, 2014
Oswego HS Drama Club
Oswego, NY United States
 Oswego HS Drama Club Oswego, NY United States
NOV 06, 2014 - NOV 08, 2014
Southern Cayuga High School
Aurora, NY United States
 Southern Cayuga High School Aurora, NY United States
NOV 06, 2014 - NOV 08, 2014
Carleton College Experimental Theater Board
Northfield, MN United States
 Carleton College Experimental Theater Board Northfield, MN United States
NOV 06, 2014 - NOV 08, 2014
Carleton College
Northfield, MN United States
 Carleton College Northfield, MN United States
APR 30, 2014 - APR 30, 2014
Carver Center Studio
Kalamazoo, MI United States
 Carver Center Studio Kalamazoo, MI United States
APR 30, 2014 - MAY 21, 2014
Theatre at The Colony
The Colony, TX United States
 Theatre at The Colony The Colony, TX United States
APR 25, 2014 - APR 27, 2014
Carver Center Studio
Kalamazoo, MI United States
 Carver Center Studio Kalamazoo, MI United States
APR 11, 2014 - APR 13, 2014
Senatobia High School
Senatobia, MS United States
 Senatobia High School Senatobia, MS United States
MAR 24, 2014 - APR 12, 2014
Needville High School
Needville, TX United States
 Needville High School Needville, TX United States
MAR 22, 2014 - APR 12, 2014
PIONEERS Homeschool Co-op
Jackson, MI United States
 PIONEERS Homeschool Co-op Jackson, MI United States
MAR 20, 2014 - MAY 21, 2014
Theatre at The Colony
The Colony, TX United States
 Theatre at The Colony The Colony, TX United States
MAR 04, 2014 - MAR 04, 2014
UNION CHURCH OF MANILA
Makati City, Philippines
 UNION CHURCH OF MANILA Makati City, Philippines
FEB 20, 2014 - MAR 09, 2014
Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, Etc.
Bulverde, TX United States
 Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, Etc. Bulverde, TX United States
FEB 14, 2014 - FEB 20, 2014
Theatre Imp
Lincoln/York, United Kingdom
 Theatre Imp Lincoln/York, United Kingdom
DEC 06, 2013 - DEC 07, 2013
West Boylston Middle/High School
West Boylston, MA United States
 West Boylston Middle/High School West Boylston, MA United States
DEC 03, 2013 - DEC 10, 2013
Centre Stage - South Carolina
Greenville, SC United States
 Centre Stage - South Carolina Greenville, SC United States
APR 14, 2013 - APR 14, 2013
The Winni Players
Meredith, NH United States
 The Winni Players Meredith, NH United States
APR 13, 2013 - APR 14, 2013
The Winni Players
Laconia, NH United States
 The Winni Players Laconia, NH United States
MAR 08, 2013 - MAR 16, 2013
Sandy High School
Sandy, OR United States
 Sandy High School Sandy, OR United States
FEB 28, 2013 - MAR 01, 2013
Kent Place School
Summit, NJ United States
 Kent Place School Summit, NJ United States
NOV 27, 2012 - DEC 02, 2012
Irondequoit High School
Rochester, NY United States
 Irondequoit High School Rochester, NY United States
NOV 09, 2012 - NOV 18, 2012
Acacia Theatre Company
Mequon, WI United States
 Acacia Theatre Company Mequon, WI United States
OCT 30, 2012 - NOV 01, 2012
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI United States
 Cardinal Stritch University Milwaukee, WI United States
OCT 27, 2012 - NOV 04, 2012
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI United States
 Cardinal Stritch University Milwaukee, WI United States
APR 02, 2012 - MAY 22, 2012
Hallsville High School
Hallsville, TX United States
 Hallsville High School Hallsville, TX United States
NOV 11, 2011 - NOV 12, 2011
Green Mountain Union High School
Chester, VT United States
 Green Mountain Union High School Chester, VT United States
NOV 10, 2011 - NOV 12, 2011
Fairfield High School Drama
Fairfield, OH United States
 Fairfield High School Drama Fairfield, OH United States
NOV 05, 2011 - NOV 30, 2011
Sparkman /Theatre
Owens Cross Rds., AL United States
 Sparkman /Theatre Owens Cross Rds., AL United States
MAY 01, 2011 - MAY 01, 2011
HAFTR
Cedarhurst, NY United States
 HAFTR Cedarhurst, NY United States
APR 30, 2011 - APR 30, 2011
HAFTR
Woodmere, NY United States
 HAFTR Woodmere, NY United States
APR 17, 2011 - APR 17, 2011
Flint Youth Theatre
Flint, MI United States
 Flint Youth Theatre Flint, MI United States
APR 01, 2011 - APR 03, 2011
Newton High School
Newton, KS United States
 Newton High School Newton, KS United States
FEB 04, 2011 - FEB 19, 2011
Square One Theatre Company
Stratford, CT United States
 Square One Theatre Company Stratford, CT United States
NOV 04, 2010 - NOV 07, 2010
Midlakes High School
Clifton Springs, NY United States
 Midlakes High School Clifton Springs, NY United States
MAR 10, 2009 - JUN 28, 2009
Walter Kerr Theater (Broadway)
New York, NY United States
 Walter Kerr Theater (Broadway) New York, NY United States
SEP 07, 2008 - NOV 25, 2008
Baruch Performing Arts Center
New York, NY United States
 Baruch Performing Arts Center New York, NY United States
JAN 24, 2025 - FEB 01, 2025
Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts Society
Abbotsford, BC Canada
 Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts Society Abbotsford, BC Canada
JUL 11, 2024 - JUL 21, 2024
Powerstories Theatre
Tampa, FL United States
 Powerstories Theatre Tampa, FL United States
MAR 04, 2014 - MAR 04, 2014
UNION CHURCH OF MANILA
Makati City, Philippines
 UNION CHURCH OF MANILA Makati City, Philippines
DEC 03, 2013 - DEC 10, 2013
Centre Stage - South Carolina
Greenville, SC United States
 Centre Stage - South Carolina Greenville, SC United States
MAR 10, 2009 - JUN 28, 2009
Walter Kerr Theater (Broadway)
New York, NY United States
 Walter Kerr Theater (Broadway) New York, NY United States
SEP 07, 2008 - NOV 25, 2008
Baruch Performing Arts Center
New York, NY United States
 Baruch Performing Arts Center New York, NY United States

Awards (3)

Best Play, The Lights Are Bright on Broadway Awards (2009)

Best Off-Broadway Play, People's Choice Awards at Broadway.com (2009)

Nominee for Best Play, Outer Critic's Circle Awards (2009)

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