-Courtesy of Grayce Carson Communications
What if the January 6, 2021 insurrection was successful? The Last Yiddish Speaker by Deborah Zoe Laufer imagines this alternate reality where a white supremacist regime has come into power. Paul (Dan Hodge) and his teenage daughter, Sarah (Kaitlyn Zion) live under the radar in a small town upstate as Christian-passing, despite being Jews who fled New York City. When an ancient Yiddish-speaking woman arrives on their doorstep, Paul and Sarah are forced to decide between fleeing again or fighting for their faith, their heritage and their identity.
“When I first read Deb’s play a year ago, I found it to be an incredibly moving and human story set against a terrifying backdrop, as it imagines an America that is only a successful insurrection and a slippery slope away from descending into a white supremacist autocracy. Now, months into Israel’s war with Hamas, with antisemitism sharply rising, and democracy teetering on the edge, the play feels absolutely urgent. THE LAST YIDDISH SPEAKER is a cautionary tale for our time, filled with warmth, humor and humanity,” says director Seth Rozin.
As a company dedicated to civic discourse, InterAct hosts discussions for audience members almost every day of the week after non-preview performances. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays are facilitated by Artistic Director Seth Rozin. Fridays are led by National New Play Network Producer in Resident, Liana Irvine, in The Proscenium Lobby, and Saturdays are artist talkbacks with literary manager, Chaz T. Martin, and special guests (to be announced soon!).
The talented production team includes: Hunter Smith (Stage Manager), Alex Mockenstrum (Assistant Director) Dan Hodge (Firearms Coordinator), Colin McIlvaine (Scenic Designer), Katherine Fritz (Costume Designer), Drew Billiau (Lighting Design), Christopher Colucci (Sound Designer), Emily Schuman (Props Manager), Valden Kamph (Production Manager).
Performances run March 29 – April 21 at The Proscenium Theatre at The Drake. Preview nights even feature free ice cream from Scoop DeVille with a signature flavor created just for the show (March 29, 30, 31, and April 3). March 30 at 2pm and April 12 at 7pm will be COVID safety performances, and April 5, 6, and 7 are part of Philly Theatre Week! For tickets and showtimes, visit:
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