① memo 20180319 ~ PUSH Coming to Brussels Opera House Monnaie | Munt ~
Good news ! The community opera PUSH (written by composer Howard Moody) inspired by the true story of Simon Gronowski , a boy whose mother pushed him off the ‘Transport XX’ train heading to Auschwitz in 1943 – an action that saved his life and gave the opera its name – is now programmed in Simon’s hometown in March 2019 in the De Munt | La Monnaie opera house of Brussels .

Howard had met Simon, now in his 80s, in Brussels and promised to write an opera based on his life. PUSH tells this story but also deals with much broader themes of persecution.
After the world premiere of PUSH in 2016 in the UK , and a recent second performance in , Howard Moody once again brings together professional musicians and amateur performers – both adults and children – from the UK and Belgium in a unique theatrical experience.

Push! Push!
Push your child off the edge!
[…]
My mother gave birth to me twice
Pushing me towards freedom and life

More info / links

PUSH in Brussels 2019

The full film ‘Transport XX to Auschwitz’ is presented online here at this site

PUSH opera premiere in the UK, 2016

Ma vie n’est que miracles. My life is only miracles

A full documentary on Simon’s life , the film Miracles is in production now – more soon on Miracles.Media