Yiddish Theater Lab – Spring 2022 Series

Theater J’s ongoing initiative is dedicated to preserving and reviving the forgotten literature of the Yiddish Theater. Join us this May for four events–a mix of in-person and online–as directors and playwrights uncover and reinterpret nearly-forgotten Yiddish classics in new English language readings, plus a special book talk with eminent Yiddish scholar and translator Nahma Sandrow. 

The Yiddish Theater Lab is supported by The Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, Terry Singer– The Leshowitz Family Foundation, and Natalie Wexler and James Feldman.

Yankel Boyla 

By Leon Kobrin
English Version by David S. Lifson
Directed by Kevin Place, Theater J Associate Producer

In-person Reading on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 pm | Cafritz Hall at the Edlavitch DCJDCC

Haunted by his father’s last words, “be a Jew,” Yankel is torn between faith and desire. Must he marry a girl chosen for him? It is summertime, he is young, romance is in the air, and his heart yearns for the girl next door. The world is supposed to open up as a person matures; so why does Yankel feel like it is closing in? Set in Ukraine, Yankel Boyla is a timeless coming-of-age story about conflicts between commitment and family, duty and passion.

Effective March 21, all visitors over the age of 12 entering the EDCJCC’s building will be required to show proof of vaccination or proof of negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to attending. All patrons in the Goldman Theater and Cafritz Hall will be required to wear masks. Only performers and guests invited onstage may be unmasked. Masks are optional but encouraged in the Q Street and 16th Street lobbies, hallways, and other public spaces. Theater J front-of-house staff and volunteers will continue to wear masks. For more information, visit theaterj.org/safetyguidelines/