When the Kadimah Yiddish Theatre (KYT) was nominated for four Green Room Awards this year – and went on to win two for The Ghetto Cabaret – it signalled a moment. Not only was Yiddish capturing the zeitgeist in Melbourne and all over the world, but the unique flavour of Jewish theatre was once again bewitching audiences of all denominations.
Right now, we’re missing the pre-show foyer buzz, excitement as the curtain lifts, and momentary escape from reality that is the true thrill of great theatre. So until they can be back in the footlights, KYT’s Artistic Co-Directors Galit Klas and Evelyn Krape have curated a few suggestions to create a digital fourth wall for you to dissolve at home.
We’ll have some exciting news for you soon about our re-opening and future collaboration with the Kadimah, stay tuned!
Until then, stay well and warm.
Jessica Bram
Director & CEO
The history of Yiddish theatre is the history of Jewish theatre, and it’s full of larger-than-life personalities. Discover the place of theatre in Ashkenazi cultural and political life and how it evolved as part of the immigrant experience with YIVO‘s free course, Oh Mama, I’m In Love! The Story of the Yiddish Stage.
Di Tzvey Kunilemls (The Two Kunilemls)
The Yiddishpiel has been the home of Yiddish theatre in Israel for 30 years. Check out their production of Di Tzvey Kunilemls, a contemporary adaptation of Avrom Goldfaden’s 1880 play directed by Alexander Hausfetter with Israeli legend Yaakov Bodo. It’s in Yiddish without sub-titles, start watching 10 minutes in and whet your appetite for our upcoming production of this comedy of mistaken identity.
Tsuzamen (Together)
Watch Israeli legends Dudu Fisher and Yiddishspiel artistic director Sasi Keshet perform in this uplifting, haimish concert. Their intriguing performance blends Hebrew and Yiddish and features music theatre classics, originals and more.
Yiddish Divas
Play Me A Poem I
Play Me A Poem II
Yiddish theatre has long been at the heart of the Kadimah and Jewish cultural life in Melbourne. In a few short years, the KYT has created a firm foothold in the local theatre landscape, vigorously exploring how Yiddish culture interacts with the contemporary world. We’ve commissioned new songs, nurtured young talent, worked with some of Australia’s biggest artists, and garnered those Green Room Awards! We champion an Australian Jewish identity as we share the joys of Yiddish theatre and Jewish culture, from the shtetl to the world. Watch some of our most recent shows at the links above.
Enrol your kids in a Kadimah children’s drama class with director and theatre maker Romi Kupfer. Romi’s classes empower youngsters aged five through 12 to use theatre as an expressive language, telling their own stories. Shep naches as they practice their acting around the house.