TLT Explains
Kennedy Center Hosts ‘October 7’ Performance Marking First Time Since 2014 No Hostages Held by Hamas
What's happening
On January 28, the Kennedy Center presented a performance of ‘October 7: In Their Own Words,’ coinciding with the return of the last Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This event represented a poignant moment of collective remembrance, as it was the first time since 2014 that no Israeli captives remained in Hamas custody. The timing added emotional weight to the evening, transforming it from a theatrical presentation into a shared experience of relief and reflection for many attendees.
The play is based entirely on survivor testimonies collected shortly after the October 7 Hamas attacks, and was written by Irish journalists Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney. Known for engaging with controversial topics, the couple aimed to present the raw, unfiltered experiences of those affected without inserting political bias. Their goal was to ensure the events and personal stories from that day would not be forgotten or distorted over time, emphasizing the importance of memory and truth.
Unlike traditional theatrical productions, ‘October 7’ was staged as a dramatized reading without elaborate sets or sound effects. This minimalist approach was intended to foster genuine reflection rather than entertainment, allowing the audience to focus solely on the testimonies and the human impact of the attacks. Audience members noted the absence of overt political messaging, which helped create a space for empathy and understanding amid a highly charged cultural and political climate.
The performance took place against a backdrop of ongoing tensions surrounding the Kennedy Center’s leadership and programming choices. In recent months, several high-profile artists have canceled appearances, citing ideological differences with the center’s direction. Despite these challenges, the presentation of ‘October 7’ at one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural venues highlighted the resilience of artistic expression and the importance of confronting difficult subjects through the arts.
What's at stake
Faith and identity emerged as central themes throughout the performance. Survivors shared moments of unexpected prayer and spiritual reflection, illustrating how trauma reshaped personal beliefs. One character, a Muslim doctor, distanced herself from Hamas, emphasizing that evil does not come from God and framing the conflict as a struggle between kindness and violence. These narratives underscored the complexity of individual experiences and the diverse perspectives within the broader conflict.
Audience reactions reflected a mixture of grief, relief, and hope. Many attendees described the evening as more than a typical theater event, likening it to a solemn celebration of shared memories and resilience. One audience member called the playwrights “angels and divine messengers from God,” highlighting the profound emotional impact the performance had on those present. The final moments of the play conveyed a message of renewal and commitment to memory, with the closing line, “We will dance again,” resonating as a symbol of hope.
The event also highlighted broader cultural tensions in the United States regarding artistic expression related to Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The heightened security measures and challenges in securing a venue reflected the polarized environment in which such works are presented. Critics of similar productions often argue that they carry political implications, leading to resistance or controversy. Nevertheless, the performance served as a reminder of the vital role that truth, memory, and testimony play in public discourse.
The return of the hostages shifted the tone of the evening from mourning to a moment of renewal, allowing attendees to reflect on the significance of the events while acknowledging the ongoing complexities of the conflict. Many left the Kennedy Center with a renewed sense of connection to the stories shared, reinforcing the importance of remembrance in cultural conversations. The performance demonstrated how art can serve as a bridge for understanding and healing in deeply divided contexts.
Looking ahead, the Kennedy Center’s staging of ‘October 7’ may influence future cultural programming related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The event’s timing and reception suggest that there is an audience eager for honest, nuanced portrayals of difficult subjects. Observers will be watching how the center navigates ongoing political and cultural pressures, as well as how artists continue to engage with this and other contentious topics. The coming months may reveal further developments in how memory, art, and politics intersect in national cultural institutions.
Why it matters
The performance presented firsthand survivor testimonies to preserve the memory of the October 7 attacks without political bias. It marked the first time since 2014 that no Israeli hostages remained in Hamas custody, adding emotional significance to the event. The minimalist dramatized reading format fostered reflection over entertainment, emphasizing the human impact of the conflict.
The event highlighted ongoing cultural tensions in the U.S. surrounding artistic expression related to Israel and Hamas. Audience members experienced a mix of grief, relief, and hope, reflecting the complex emotional stakes involved. The performance underscored the role of faith and personal identity in shaping responses to trauma.
The staging at a major cultural institution demonstrated the resilience of artistic expression amid political and ideological challenges.
Key facts & context
The Kennedy Center hosted ‘October 7: In Their Own Words’ on January 28, 2026. The event coincided with the return of the last Israeli hostages held by Hamas, a first since 2014. The play was written by Irish journalists Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney based on survivor testimonies.
The performance was a dramatized reading without elaborate staging or sound effects. Recent months saw protests and artist cancellations at the Kennedy Center due to ideological differences. Faith and spirituality were prominent themes in the testimonies shared during the performance.
Audience members described the playwrights as deeply impactful, with some calling them “angels and divine messengers.” The event took place amid heightened security and cultural tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The performance aimed to prevent the October 7 events from being forgotten or rewritten.
The closing message of the play emphasized resilience and hope with the line, “We will dance again.” The Kennedy Center is one of the nation’s most prestigious cultural venues. The event was seen as a moment of collective remembrance and renewal for those connected to the conflict.
Timeline & key developments
2026-01-29: ‘October 7’ Performance at Kennedy Center Marks Significant Moment of Remembrance. Additional reporting on this topic is available in our broader archive and will continue to shape this timeline as new developments emerge.
Primary sources
Further reading & references
- (Additional background links will appear here as we cover this topic.)