Michaela Vidláková, born Lauscherová, and her parents were transported to Theresienstadt in December 1942. She celebrated her sixth birthday shortly after arriving there. A series of coincidences and a dose of courage helped her and her parents survive. Not her broader family. We have asked Ms. Vidláková for an opening speech before the Bumble Bee (“Brundibár“), a children’s opera. This work of art by Hans Krása (lyrics by Adof Hoffmeister) was performed by the children of Theresienstadt fifty-five times (or so), and the memories of it are firmly imprinted in the minds of the survivors. “The evil Brundibár symbolised Hitler to us, and it was important for us to see that if animals and children join forces together, they can push him aside and defeat him. The last scene where everyone sings together: “Brundibár defeated!“ gave us hope that Hitler would be defeated, too,“ said Michaela Vidláková for the Memory of Nations project. Her entire story is recorded there. She will share her memories of the rendition in Theresienstadt with the audience at the beginning of the performace, which the Everlasting Hope festival prepared for Saturday 24 October, 11:00 a.m. in the Estates Theatre.