The Media & Their Narratives.

[BIAD]

At first I thought it was another sign of how an accepted part of history was being corrupted by those who fail to
realise the full meaning of what had occurred in the past and merely utilised an emotive issue for monetary gain
through today's entitled rage and controversy. But I was wrong.

It is really just another example of poor Journalism and the current reliance on spell-checking!
One may also muse on the idea that certain words can be used to draw a reader's eye too!

Conductor of London opera of 'The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas' defends controversial production

The conductor of the opera said: 'I disagree with critiques of John Boyne's book, which is one reason why I chose
to adapt it into an opera.'


Auschwitz.

'An opera production of The Boy in Striped Pyjamas which has opened at London’s Cockpit theatre has caused
controversy. The book which has been widely criticised by many including the Auschwitz Memorial for harming
holocaust education and by the Holocaust Centre North for “historical inaccuracies".

However, the conductor of the opera has defended himself, speaking to MyLondon, Noah Max said he disagreed
with the criticism the book had faced. He added that he also knew and had worked with Holocaust survivors.
Auschwitz was the largest of the German Nazi concentration camps and extermination centres where more than
1.1 million people lost their lives.

Noah’s own family history includes relatives fleeing the Nazis. Addressing the opera and the criticism around it,
Noah said: “I am Jewish. Members of my family were murdered in the Holocaust. I disagree with critiques of
John Boyne's book, which is one reason why I chose to adapt it into an opera. I know and have worked with
Holocaust survivors who approve of the book."

In 2019, the Holocaust Centre North dedicated an entire blog post which they said pointed out: “historical
inaccuracies and stereotypical portrayals of major characters that help to perpetuate dangerous myths
about the Holocaust.”

Speaking to MyLondon, a spokesperson from Auschwitz Memorial said whilst they weren't aware of the specifics
of the opera adaptation of the book in London, they said: "In our general opinion "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas"
should be avoided by anyone who studies or teaches about the history of the Holocaust or the reality of concentration
and extermination camps.

"It is a fictional story that has nothing to do with the reality of the camp system. It’s a very good example how popular
culture can distort history."

However Noah has argued that the production he has worked on is supported by the Holocaust Educational Trust and
Community Security Trust. He said: “These organisations are widely considered the world leaders in their respective
fields.”

Noah says that the production he is conducting has been developed whilst considering the criticism the book has
eceived. He added: “This new operatic adaptation addresses many of the points the Auschwitz Memorial Museum
and others have taken issue with in recent years. I have developed the project in conversation with people at the
Centre for Holocaust Education, International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, Association of Jewish Refugees
and other organisations.”

Commenters on social media have criticised the book being adapted into an opera, with one person saying: "They
have made an opera of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas...The book that the Auschwitz Memorial said 'should be
avoided by anyone who studies or teaches about the history of the Holocaust.'"

Whilst another commenter said: "The ending has been criticised and I get it but it's misunderstood. The death of
the Kommandant's son is both the Kommandant's punishment and awakening. Historically inaccurate but a good
one to teach for English class." The opera production opened in London’s The Cockpit theatre yesterday, with
another performance this evening followed by a Q&A with the Noah Max...'

Archived 'My London' Article: