Some struggled with horrible realities of death and violence, while others shared cherished moments of rare and short-lived happiness.

[2] The show was produced by Amber Sainsbury at Old Vic Theatre in London on 14 November 2010 as a one-off, in aid of Danny Boyle's arts charity Dramatic Need, which operates in Rwanda and South Africa, helping young people to come to terms with trauma and conflict.

[3] The first-hand accounts of the children were adapted by a number of playwrights, retold and re-interpreted by and performed by actors such as Catherine Zeta-Jones, Sir Ben Kingsley, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hiddleston, Kit Harington, Gemma Arterton, and Eddie Redmayne, and directed by Boyle.

[4][5][6] The show was reprised at the Royal Court Theatre on 25 October 2015 as an anniversary gala, again for the benefit of Dramatic Need, directed by Boyle and associate director Gbolahan Obisesan.

[2] The Via Vyndal Pantsula Dance Crew made their appearance outside South Africa, and Kenny Leon co-directed the performance.