To escape Nazi Germany, parents put their children on a train to England not knowing if they would see them again. Kindertransport tells the harrowing story of Eva, writes Nick Elvin

In late-1930s Germany, with persecution against Jews on the increase, and the threat of war growing, some parents took desperate measures in a bid to spare their children an unimaginable fate. They made the decision to send their children away from Nazi territory, in most cases, not knowing if they would ever see them again.

In Britain, Parliament agreed to admit a limited number of refugee children, and between December 1938 and September 1939 more than 10,000 children were brought over to the UK, almost three-quarters of them Jewish. This movement became known as Kindertransport, literally “the transport of children”.

Many of the children arrived at Liverpool Street Station and settled in East London with foster families, and later this month, Leytonstone-based Woodhouse Players will be performing a play about these events.

Kindertransport, by Diane Samuels, tells the story of a young girl, Eva, who is separated from her parents in Nazi Germany and sent on a train to England.

Director Louise Croker says the story of the Kindertransport is one story that is not told enough.

“I've been researching it for years, about the whole lead up to why the British Government allowed them in,” she says. “The Government wasn’t aware of the increasing conflict between the Jewish community and the Nazis. There were reports of people just putting a cradle on a train and shutting the door, and not knowing where it was going.

“The cast has found it to be quite draining because it’s dark and very emotive. It tells such an important story.”

As part of their research, the Players got in contact with an organisation that assists the Kindertransport refugees, who are now in their 70s or older.

There are also family links within the group. The great-grandmother of 22-year-old Stephanie Gaynor, who plays the young Eva, escaped from Vienna and came to London. She was later evacuated from the capital during The Blitz. Happily Stephanie was reunited with her family after the war, but many refugees were not as fortunate and many discovered their parents had died in the concentration camps.

Having told the story of young Eva, Kindertransport fast-forwards 50 years. Eva is now known as Evelyn, having changed her identity, however her own daughter finds documentation that uncovers her past.

Louise adds: “It’s quite true of many of the Kinder, that they wouldn’t talk about it or they have hidden their identity or are not practising Jews any more.”

It was perhaps inevitable that members of the cast and crew thought about what they would do as parents if faced with a similar situation.

“It’s something we often discuss. Hopefully we wouldn’t have to be in that situation again. I’m a mother of two and I don’t know if I could do it, but I think I would always put my children first. Many of these children never saw their parents again.

“This is not just an historical piece but a story of separation, loss of identity and of saying goodbye to the ones we love. All of us, at some stage know how that feels.”

September 24 and 25, and October 1 and 2 at Welsh Church Hall, Leytonstone. www.woodhouseplayers.co.uk