A performance on the 80th anniversary of David Maxwell Fyfe's Nuremberg speech that sparked the European Convention on Human Rights

This performance celebrates the European Convention on Human Rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms for all.

David Maxwell Fyfe was a leading prosecutor at the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials, who went on to become the British artisan of the European Convention on Human Rights. For him this was all One Story.

80 years ago on August 29th, David gave his only speech at the Trials. Having described the consequences of the evil brutality of the Nazi regime, his closing words caught a spark that would light a fuse that burnt with othersand finally caused an explosion of freedom across Europe.

' "...sights and sounds all happy as her day, And laughter learnt of friends, and gentleness,And hearts at peace...."

are not the prerogative of any one nation. They are the inalienable heritage of mankind.'

To mark this anniversary, Songs of the People present Sue Casson's Dreams of Peace & Freedom, that was inspired by those words, in the iconic surroundings of St James Piccadilly known for its committed history to social justice, creativity and the arts.

Dreams of Peace & Freedom brings these together to tell David's story with a unique piece of theatre blending his personal papers, Sue Casson’s ethereal music and archive film. Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show been performed widely including the Palace of Westminster, Palace of Justice, Nuremberg, Coventry Cathedral and Merchants Hall, Edinburgh.

In addition to the performance, there will be a panel discussion to launch their new podcast, 'Could we do more to secure human rights.' The podcast contributors include Lady Brenda Hale and Lord David Alton. Released on the same day as the performance, it encourages conversation about the relevance and importance of human rights today.

What audiences say about Dreams of Peace & Freedom

A magnificent work... important, thoughtful, uplifting, and yet far from complacent. A multi-platform piece of musical theatre, it generates a whole panoply of different emotional responses – it’s such a rich tapestry.

Thos Ribbits, MusicalTalk

Beautiful vocals... a love letter to the values of peace, freedom and remembrance.

Laura Pollock, The National

Stunning. The most incredibly stimulating piece of history that most people don't know.

Helena Kennedy KC

An incredible song cycle and a really unique piece of theatre

Kate Massey, Canon for Arts and Reconciliation, Coventry Cathedral

Description supplied by the event organiser.