Israeli theatre company The Train Theatre nominated for two Offie awards

The show is designed to make culture accessible to everyone and break down barriers[Missing Credit]

Train Theatre’s CEO Kobi Frig said, “We were very happy to hear about it and surprised. We know that the show is good, but in this political time and situation we didn’t think that it’s an option. We hope that they will vote as professionals.”

Non-verbal, the show is about bravery and is designed to make culture accessible to everyone while breaking down barriers, at a time when cultural boycotts have been rife in the UK.

JW3’s programming director William Galinsky, who brought the show to the venue for three days in July, said: “This confirms that The Train Theatre is one of the world's great children's theatre companies, which was something I knew when I went to see them in Jerusalem. I'm really glad that the Offies judges agreed with me. It just proves that wonderful art transcends national boundaries, transcends conflict. And I feel immensely heartened that the judges came to the venue to see a company from Israel and judged the work on its own merit.

He added, “We believe that wherever art comes from, it's really important that it's allowed to speak. And this is an award-winning show, and the Offies judges recognised that in nominating it. Let's see what happens with the awards ceremony next year.”

Nicknamed the Offies, the Off West End Theatre Awards were launched in 2010 to recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and ingenuity at independent theatres beyond the West End across London. The winners will be announced at the Offies Awards Ceremony in February 2025.