Chilliwack residents play key roles in upcoming Gallery 7 Theatre production

ABBOTSFORD — Fraser Valley theatre fans will be treated to the inspiring true story of Irena Gut Opdyke to the stage in Irena’s Vow, a play by Dan Gordon. The latest production of Gallery 7 Theatre will run from January 24 to February 1 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre. The production highlights the courage and compassion of a young woman who risked her life to protect Jewish workers during World War II.

“Audiences are in for a real thriller of a show,” said Ken Hildebrandt, Managing Artistic Director of Gallery 7 Theatre. “Irena’s Vow is unrelenting in its depiction of wartime horrors but ultimately celebrates incredible bravery and humanity.”

The play follows Irena Gut, a teenage Polish housekeeper promoted to work in the home of a high-ranking Nazi officer. Upon learning of plans to expunge the Jewish ghetto, Irena hides 12 Jewish workers in the officer’s basement. For two years, she uses her wit and courage to shield them amid the dangers of house parties, blackmail, and even the birth of a child.

Image: From left to right, Marc Chrétien, Patricia Braun and Annie Lewis perform in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of Irena’s Vow. / Dianna Lewis Photography.