"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne, adapted by Angus Jackson (7th April 2025)
Lights Up on the Dark: The Holocaust Onstage · Samantha Mitschke & Alexandra Gellner
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Show Notes
Since its publication in 2006, John Boyne’s novel has been the subject of criticism in the world of Holocaust education. Set at Auschwitz and telling the fictional story of a friendship between the naive son of a Nazi officer and a Jewish boy imprisoned in the camp, the book continues to split opinion - with some saying it shouldn’t be utilised at all, and others pointing out its value as a tool for teaching critical thinking.
In this episode, Sam and Alex set out to discuss Angus Jackson’s 2015 adaptation and end up covering the play, the book (and its sequel), the film, and the ballet…with their conclusions even surprising themselves.
Hosts: Samantha Mitschke & Alexandra Gellner
Executive Producer: Samantha Mitschke
Producer / Editor: Alexandra Gellner
Music: “Image” by Infraction Music
Contact: https://holocaustonstage.com/contact/
Books & Articles
John Boyne (2006) The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. David Fickling Books.
UCL Centre for Holocaust Education, Continuity and Change Research Study, Third data release: “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” in English Secondary Schools (accessed 06/04/2025)
Plays
Angus Jackson (2015) The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Nick Hern Books.
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