Irena's Vow

Irena's Vow by Dan Gordon

(7)
Productions (62)
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.

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.

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 SocietyAbbotsford, BC Canada
JAN 17, 2025 - JAN 18, 2025
Angelico Project
Fairfield, OH United States
Angelico ProjectFairfield, OH United States
JUL 11, 2024 - JUL 21, 2024
Powerstories Theatre
Tampa, FL United States
Powerstories TheatreTampa, FL United States
NOV 03, 2022 - NOV 05, 2022
Kenmore Theater West
Buffalo, NY United States
Kenmore Theater WestBuffalo, NY United States
MAY 11, 2022 - MAY 11, 2022
Shtark Contrast
Hewlett, NY United States
Shtark ContrastHewlett, NY United States
APR 25, 2022 - APR 25, 2022
Round Lake High School
Round Lake, IL United States
Round Lake High SchoolRound Lake, IL United States
MAR 18, 2021 - APR 30, 2021
Theatre at The Colony
The Colony, TX United States
Theatre at The ColonyThe Colony, TX United States
FEB 22, 2020 - FEB 22, 2020
Congregation Keneseth Israel
Allentown, PA United States
Congregation Keneseth IsraelAllentown, PA United States
FEB 20, 2020 - MAR 06, 2020
Thunder Theatre
El Paso, TX United States
Thunder TheatreEl Paso, TX United States
FEB 13, 2020 - FEB 22, 2020
Albert Lea Community Theatre
Albert Lea, MN United States
Albert Lea Community TheatreAlbert Lea, MN United States
1 of 7
No upcoming productions.
MAR 04, 2014 - MAR 04, 2014
UNION CHURCH OF MANILA
Makati City, Philippines
UNION CHURCH OF MANILAMakati City, Philippines
DEC 03, 2013 - DEC 10, 2013
Centre Stage - South Carolina
Greenville, SC United States
Centre Stage - South CarolinaGreenville, 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 CenterNew 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)