The Last Yiddish Speaker
by Deborah Zoe Laufer
A National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere
October 26 - November 9, 2024
"...a play that punches well above its weight as a new work; it feels road-tested and ready for prime time."
- John Thomason, Boca magazine.
"...chilling, fast-paced drama with a streak of magical realism... as beautiful and surprising as it is disturbing."
- Jan Sjostrom, Florida Theater On Stage.
"...hauting and even terrifying...will hopefully enjoy a long theatrical life..."
- Aaron Krause, Theatrical Musings.
In a dystopian future where a Christian Nationalist regime has come to power following a successful insurrection against the US Government, Paul and his teenage daughter, Sarah, 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.
Crew:
Director.........................................................Deborah Zoe Laufer
Production Stage Manager...................................Rose Figueroa*
Scenic Designer.................................................Michael McClain
Lighting Designer.............................................Thomas Shorrock
Costume Designer......................................Dawn C. Shamburger
Sound Designer..........................................................Matt Corey
Associate Sound Designer....................................Joel Rodriguez
Properties Designer................................................Jacob Altman
Intimacy Director......................................................Nicole Perry
Yiddish Consultant....................................................Avi Hoffman
Armory Consultant..............................................Jason Paul Tate
Assistant Stage Manager..........................................Grace Cirillo
Wardrobe Head........................................................Tim Bowman
Booth Op.................................................................Harold Petion
Cast:
Sarah.......................................................................Gemma Berg
Paul...............................................................Stephen Schnetzer*
Chava.....................................................................Patti Gardner*
John.......................................................................Gage Calenius
*Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.