Theatergoers Disrupted by Alarm During Northwestern Play on Hamas Attacks

Theatergoers filled the Cahn Auditorium at Northwestern University on Tuesday to watch a play based on testimonies from those affected by the 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel. As the show unfolded, a fire alarm interrupted the evening. Ann McElhinney, co-writer of the play “OCTOBER 7” with her husband, Phelim McAleer, shared with Fox News Digital that many audience members initially stayed seated, thinking the alarms were part of the performance.

McElhinney explained, “They initially believed it was part of the play since the dialogue had involved sirens and rocket warnings.” Realizing the alarms were genuine, the theater was evacuated when someone activated a fire alarm during the performance.

After authorities cleared the auditorium, McElhinney shared that a number of people left, rattled by the incident. However, some chose to remain, feeling “defiant” and not wanting “to be intimidated by this.” McAleer noted the program concluded with a standing ovation, which he viewed as recognition both for the performers and for the audience’s resilience against intimidation attempts.

The standing ovation was for the actors and directors, but it also signified that people refused to be silenced, McAleer told Fox News Digital.

Northwestern Media Relations stated, “At approximately 8:12 p.m., a fire alarm at Cahn Auditorium was activated. The building was evacuated and once deemed safe, guests were invited back to continue the event.” The play concluded at 9:45 p.m. The Northwestern University Police Department will maintain their investigation.

During the performance, there were no protesters outside the venue, according to McAleer and McElhinney. However, McAleer stated, “What happened inside seemed more malicious.” The couple believed that someone intentionally activated the alarm at a critical moment in the play.

McAleer remarked, “This was a deliberate disruption, more cowardly than a protest.” He noted that the act of triggering the alarm induced unnecessary fear and tension, coinciding with the anniversary of October 7th in Israel.

The couple had traveled to Israel to gather personal accounts of the 2023 attacks. McElhinney recalled the criticisms Israel faced even as the attacks were fresh, which motivated them to present these narratives through their play. McAleer expressed frustration at the lack of coverage on the events of October 7th itself, commenting that important stories were being overlooked.

They interviewed around 20 individuals, ultimately incorporating testimonies from 15 into the play. “OCTOBER 7” has also been staged in locations like New York City, Princeton, and the Kennedy Center. Security was necessary during its New York run due to the sensitive nature of the content, particularly in a city with a significant Jewish population. McElhinney commented, “Security requirements in New York underscore concerns about free speech there.”

McAleer highlighted the broader implications of the Northwestern incident, reflecting on the atmosphere for Jewish individuals on American campuses. He stated, “Current campus environments feel dangerous for Jewish students — they face barriers when mourning, commemorating, or engaging publicly.” He further noted that organizing events without substantial security has become challenging, posing questions about the state of freedom and expression in academic settings.

The couple plans to file a police report regarding the incident, hoping for legal accountability. They wish for those responsible to face appropriate consequences. Rachel Wolf, Fox News Digital’s media and culture reporter, contributed to the coverage.