Set during the Holocaust in the Terezín concentration camp, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” is based on the book by Celeste Raspanti and tells the story of children who endured the misery of captivity. Over 15,000 Jewish children passed through Terezín, and only about a hundred were still alive when the camp was liberated at the end of the war. 

The play centers on the story of one of the survivors, Raja Englanderov. Raja recounts her story through flashbacks, highlighting the influence of Irena Synkova, a teacher who instills hope and courage in the children of Terezin. Under Irena's guidance, the children express their experiences through writing and art.

Through their eyes, we glimpse moments of joy in Terezín – laughter, flowers, and butterflies – amid the harsh reality. Despite the barbed wire fences, teachers and students show quiet resolve by continuing to learn, create, and dream. There were no butterflies at Terezin, of course, but for the children, butterflies became a symbol of defiance, making it possible for them to live on and play happily while waiting to be transported.

The Fall production is directed by LMC Instructor of Theatre Shalico Sain and presented by the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department.