Breitbart Film Producers to Stage Play on October 7 Terrorist Attacks at Kennedy Center

Phelim McAleer and Anne McElhinney, the producers behind the film My Son Hunter, are set to bring their notable play focusing on the tragic October 7 attacks to the Kennedy Center this year.

The New York Post described the production as “a captivating, powerful, and true sanctuary.” This marks the first controversial performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts since the Trump era, according to McAleer’s announcement.

Premiering in New York City last year, the play provides a “verbatim” depiction of the events surrounding the terrorist attacks on Israel, narrated by survivors. As detailed in the announcement:

Written by Phelim McAleer, October 7th recounts Israel’s darkest days, featuring heartfelt and dramatic stories from those who experienced it firsthand. It’s entirely composed of real-life accounts gathered by veteran Irish journalists McAleer and McElhinney, who visited Israel shortly after the attacks.

While each person’s story varies, that day marked a turning point. In October 7th, we encounter individuals of all ages and backgrounds—some with family, others celebrating at a dance party when everything changed.

The narratives include those injured, their families, and the heroes who acted bravely to save lives. We hear from mothers in hiding, police officers who defended their communities armed with limited resources, and an off-duty soldier who fought back fiercely against multiple attackers. The play captures the horror faced by young party-goers as they tried to escape. October 7th symbolizes Israel’s darkest moments, yet it also tells a story of survival and resilience.

The play had a month-long run in New York City, reportedly necessitating constant police presence due to its sensitive theme. Theater Scene magazine dubbed it “incredibly powerful,” and Stage & Cinema referred to it as a “snapshot of time as remembered by an eyewitness,” urging audiences to grasp the reality of the moment.

Before this announcement, McAleer shared with Breitbart News the importance of remembering the events of October 7. He expressed concerns that some progressives might prefer to erase that day from collective memory.

“While we were in Ireland on that date, conversations shifted towards ceasefires and the situation in Gaza,” McAleer noted. “But without October 7, there wouldn’t be the conflict we see today,” he added, suggesting a complex narrative around the events and their aftermath.