Welcome to the first blog post for Theatre Ariel! Most of these will probably be written by me, Jesse Bernstein, your Theatre Ariel Artistic Director. But we’re also hoping to grab some guest bloggers and do some other fun things.
Unlike The Lion’s Den, our bi-monthly newsletter, these semi-regular blog posts will dive into issues that are broader than just what’s happening at Theatre Ariel. Think of them as Theatre Ariel-adjacent, potentially covering topics such as:
Why The Merchant of Venice Isn’t Anti-Semitic (Unless It Is)
Race and religion in casting in Jewish theatre
Was Marlon Brando’s acting… Jewish?
Jewish events and how to make them fun
… and this one: “What Your Gentile (and Jew-ish) Friends Need to Know About Jewish Theatre.”
At Theatre Ariel, we are passionate about telling tales that resonate with people who are already involved in the Jewish community – and with people who may not be. That includes non-Jews, as well as people who identify as Jewish but maybe don’t go to synagogue or don’t know much about Judaism or Jewish culture and history.
Because Jewish theatre is theatre for anyone who appreciates compelling narratives and great characters.
So in this post, let’s clarify three things about Jewish theatre that might make your Gentile (and Jew-ish) friends more comfortable attending a Theatre Ariel show:
It’s not all Yiddish jokes
You don’t need to be a Talmudic scholar to “get it”
As Rabbi Lionel Blue said, “Jews are just like everyone else, only more so.”
It's Not All Yiddish Jokes
Say “Jewish theatre” and you sometimes get eyerolls from people as their minds jump to visions of shtetls, klezmer music, and a barrage of Yiddish humor delivered a la Jackie Mason. And while any of these elements – all of which I have an affinity for as part of my Ashkenazi heritage – might make an appearance in some of our productions, they only scratch the surface of what Jewish theatre encompasses and what Theatre Ariel presents.
We strive to represent the rich tapestry of Jewish experiences. Sure, there’s bound to be some “inside baseball” humor and references to classic Jewish tropes. However, Jewish theatre also delves into profound dramas, historical narratives, and modern-day struggles that speak to universal human experiences.
Consider our upcoming production of Amsterdam by Maya Arad Yasur. This play takes audiences on a whirlwind journey through the mind of a contemporary Israeli woman living in Amsterdam who is dealing with the implications of an overdue gas bill from 1944. It’s a narrative that’s as much about grappling with identity and memory as it is about the specific Jewish experience. It’s also about the experience of living in a country that refuses to take responsibility for the atrocities it’s committed against your ancestors. That’s something that many people of many different backgrounds living in the United States today can relate to. The legacy of Black enslavement, Native American displacement and genocide, Japanese internment camps, and more, hang over the lives of many Americans today just as surely as the Holocaust hangs over the main character in Amsterdam.
Or consider our final Salon of the 2024 - 2025 season, The Goldsmith by Sharone Sayegh. This one-woman show tackles her upbringing as a Mizrahi Jew living in the United States, looking back on her family’s escape there from Iraq. It’s a story that anyone from an immigrant family can recognize, identify with, and enjoy.
And by the way, while Amsterdam has some Dutch and The Goldsmith has some Hebrew, there’s nary a word of Yiddish to be found in either.
You Don’t Need to To Be a Talmudic Scholar
One of the most frequent concerns we hear from our non-Jewish audience members is that they might not "get" Jewish theatre because they don’t have a background in Judaism. Even Jews with little to no exposure to Jewish practice or history get nervous about this. We’re here to reassure you: Jewish theatre is for everyone.
Think of it as a unique cultural event that serves as a gateway to universal themes like love, loss, identity, and resilience. Our productions are crafted to be accessible and engaging to all audiences, regardless of their familiarity with Jewish traditions or history. Our productions aim to bridge cultural gaps by focusing on the human experiences at the heart of Jewish stories.
For those worried about being lost, don’t worry: our plays often include contextual information within the script to help guide audiences. Plus, every performance is followed by a post-show conversation to provide additional insights and background, and enhance the overall experience. So, whether it’s someone’s first time seeing a Jewish play or their hundredth, there’s always something to connect with and learn from.
Look, is being steeped in Jewish tradition, ritual and history going to potentially allow you to enjoy Jewish theatre on a different level? Sure – the same way having a PhD in American History might help you enjoy Hamilton differently or a familiarity with the world of door-to-door selling might give you a unique appreciation for Death of a Salesman; but plenty of people lacking even cursory knowledge of American history or traveling salesmen have loved these shows regardless.
Jewish theatre’s kinda like that.
"Jews Are Just Like Everyone Else, Only More So"
I love this quote from Rabbi Lionel Blue. It encapsulates a profound truth about the Jewish experience that we love to celebrate at Theatre Ariel. Jewish stories are, at their core, human stories. They highlight the joys, sorrows, strengths, and weaknesses that we all share. What makes them "more so" is the rich cultural and historical tapestry that adds depth and dimension to these narratives.
Jewish theatre brings an added intensity to universal themes because of the unique perspectives born from centuries of tradition, struggle, and resilience. It’s this depth that often makes Jewish stories resonate so strongly with diverse audiences. When you watch a play at Theatre Ariel, you’re not just seeing a story about Jews; you’re seeing a story about people navigating life’s complexities, much like yourself.
It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The universal can often be found in the specific.
The Heart of Jewish Theatre: Connection and Community
At its core, Jewish theatre is about building connections and fostering a sense of community. Whether you're Jewish or not, these stories invite you to step into someone else’s shoes, to see the world through their eyes, and to walk away with a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
Theatre Ariel’s mission is to tell these stories with authenticity and heart, creating a space where everyone can feel welcome. Our productions are more than just performances; they are experiences designed to provoke thought, inspire empathy, and spark conversations. We believe that by sharing these narratives, we can build bridges between communities and promote a greater understanding of the diverse world we live in.
Join Us on This Journey
We invite you and your friends—Jewish, Jew-ish, and Gentile alike—to join us for the unique Jewish cultural event that is Theatre Ariel. All you need to enjoy our shows is an open mind and a willingness to embark on a journey through stories that are, ultimately, about all of us. So bring your friends, family, and curiosity, and let’s explore these narratives together.
As Rory Michele Sullivan, avid Theatre Ariel-goer and one of the minds behind our Five Year Strategic Plan likes to say, “You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy Jewish theatre!”
Upcoming Highlights at Theatre Ariel
As we gear up for our next season, we’re excited to share some of the highlights you can look forward to:
Amsterdam by Maya Arad Yasur: This dynamic play explores themes of identity and memory through the lens of a Jewish woman in contemporary Amsterdam. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in powerful, thought-provoking theatre.
Salon Series: Our beloved series of intimate readings continues, featuring both new works and established plays that delve into the complexities of Jewish experience with warmth and wit. This season includes Good For the Jews, a collection of newly commissioned short plays from local playwrights exploring the theme of Jewish joy; and The Goldsmith, about one woman’s journey through her Iraqi-Jewish family’s history and her own future.
We look forward to seeing you at Theatre Ariel soon!
Best,
Jesse Bernstein
Artistic Director
Theatre Ariel
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Feel free to use this blog post to invite your friends to our upcoming shows and share the magic of Jewish theatre with them. Let's spread the word and celebrate the universal stories that connect us all.
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