On September 11th 2001 four terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group Al- Qaeda were carried out against the United States, this remains to be one of the most traumatic events of the century which killed 2,977 people. Although this event was heart-breaking the musical Come from Away focuses on the 39 planes that landed in Gander, Newfoundland after the Federal Aviation Administration shut down its airspace, the play highlights the kindness and unity that occurred even throughout the darkest of times. I saw this play on the 29th of December at the Phoenix theatre in London and found it very moving, everyone had their own story to tell as almost 7000 passengers were stranded and the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador took it upon themselves to feed, house and look after the passengers. The play focused on important topics for example they showed the struggles a gay couple faced when arriving in a new place and not knowing people's attitudes toward homosexuality, the play also told the story of a Muslim man and the struggles he faced with islamophobia especially after the 9/11 attacks, fear and grief were highlighted by a mother who couldn’t get in contact with her son who was a firefighter in New York and empowerment was shown through the portrayal of the captain –Captain Beverly Bass as she was the first ever female American captain. These empowering stories moved the audience immensely and even brought some audience members to tears.

Diverse cultures, religions and ethnicities were all united together and helped each other to endure the struggles they faced, the play shows the triumph of love over hate and the empowerment of human kindness. The music throughout Come from Away was uplifting but also clearly told the story and made the audience feel as if they were experiencing life in Newfoundland and Labrador themselves, not only was this play emotional and compassionate but it was uplifting and empowering and showed us what humans are capable of when working together as united force. Come From Away honours and remember what was lost and commemorates the lifelong bonds and experiences that were found.