HAROLD'S WAR
Welcome to our new page about this special project. It is based on video interviews with family members almost 30 years ago about their memories of World War 2. Sadly, they are no longer with us but their recorded testimonies remain.
Harold's War revisits the story of a family at war from the perspective of Harold Bermitz, his parents, five brothers and family friends.
It forms the core of a much bigger educational project, starting with a 'world premiere' performance which took place on 5th September 2024, 85 years after the outbreak of WW2. This element is in the groundbreaking format of a radio-style podcast recording in front of a theatre audience, which combines video testimony and archive sequences with live narration and dramatisation.
The live 2-part presentation is the foundation of a comprehensive podcast series and multi-media learning resources currently being developed with educators, archivists and subject specialists. It will be made available online with on-demand and downloadable materials.
Links to the first episodes are at the bottom of this page. Harold's War is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and You Tube.
Discover how you can support us below.
HAROLD'S WAR - An introduction
SUPPORT HEREHarold's War is a true story that follows a family's journey through history.
Thirty years ago, Harold Bermitz's grandson, Daniel Levy, uncovered an extraordinary family story through a school project. Harold's War brings that story to life on stage.
From Eastern Europe to Hull, through persecution and global conflict, Harold's War weaves a deeply personal narrative into world-changing events.
Experience history through:
• Video testimonies speaking across time
• Live performances breathing life into long-lost conversations and letters
• Archive films and photographs offering windows to the past
• A unique live radio-style podcast recording in front of a theatre audience
EDUCATION PROJECT - Learning resources for everyone
SUPPORT HEREEducation is at the heart of our mission. We are working with local educators to develop effective online multi-media resources for schools and colleges, bringing Harold's story and its lessons to life for students across the region and beyond.
Harold's story echoes powerfully in our world today:
• The resurgence of extremism and intolerance
• Global refugee crises and migration
• Navigating complex media landscapes
SPONSORSHIP - Please help us
SUPPORT HEREJoin us in keeping these memories alive, not just for Harold and his family, but as a beacon of understanding for generations to come.
By supporting Harold’s War you will help to:
• Expand educational outreach
• Preserve and digitise historical records
• Bring this vital story to wider audiences
Your contribution, no matter how small, helps ensure that these crucial lessons from history are never forgotten.
HAROLD'S WAR: THE PODCAST PREMIERE
The world premiere of Harold's War was recorded live in front of a theatre audience in a groundbreaking radio-style podcast format combining recorded testimony with narration and dramatisation. It will be followed by a series of programmes examining related themes and insights.
Introduction...
Listen to the series trailer to discover more about the podcast and our plans for future programmes in the coming months
Episode 1 - ACT I
The first episode features ACT I of the world premiere performance of Harold's War recorded with our theatre audience
Episode 2 - ACT II
The second episode concludes this gripping theatrical presentation with a live audience. Future episodes will feature related content