The Essence of Yiddish Theater

Theatrical Performance Admission: $15 YIVO members: $10

“The Essence” is a fast-moving theatrical introduction to Yiddish language and Yiddish theater. The show contains scenes, sketches, songs, and oddball diversions telling the entire history of Yiddish theater, “from the sublime to the appalling in 83 New York Minutes.” It also contains extensive material about the Yiddish language itself that ranges from the most beautiful poetry to the most rancid melodrama. “The Essence” was created by Allen Lewis Rickman, Yelena Shmulenson, and Steve Sterner, who describe themselves as being “of the younger generation of Yiddish theater veterans, i.e., under eighty.” Rickman explains, “we mainly focus on the high points—there’s marvelous stuff here—but the low points are there too. Because they’re funny. And the historical stuff runs the gamut—sometimes touching, sometimes depressing, occasionally infuriating, often hilarious.”  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll sing, you’ll get nauseous.

"DELIGHTFUL... Fast-moving, informative, and funny" — Jewish Standard

"YIDDISH THEATRE FOR SMART ALECKS" — Forward 

"HILARIOUS!" — HuffPost