Bad Jews

Performances

The Koffler Centre of the Arts presents the Toronto premiere of Joshua Harmon’s “exhilaratingly abrasive” play, Bad Jews (Daily Telegraph).

“A ferocious domestic drama” – The Guardian
“Savage” – The New York Times
“Exhilarating, gritty, touching” ★★★★ – The Telegraph
“Blisteringly funny” – London Sunday Times
“Delicious, nasty fun” – New York Post
“Vexes and disturbs” – LA Times

After the death of their beloved grandfather, three cousins gather in a cramped Manhattan apartment to fight over a precious family heirloom, learning there is much more at stake than who gets what.

In one corner is Daphna Feygenbaum, a “real Jew” who is volatile, self-assured, and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man who has his “shiksa” girlfriend, Melody, in tow. Stuck in the middle is Liam’s brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray. When Liam stakes claim to a pendant their grandfather carried through the Holocaust, a fierce and hilarious brawl over family, faith, and legacy ensues. Bursting with crisp, fast-paced dialogue, Bad Jews is “delicious, nasty fun” (New York Post) that is as thought-provoking and poignant as it is viciously funny.

POST-SHOW TALKBACKS

Following each performance, the Koffler Centre of the Arts presents audience talkbacks hosted by Koffler Salon host Nick Hutcheson and writer and cultural historian Eric Beck Rubin, together with members of the Bad Jews cast and creative team. These post-performance conversations will explore audience reaction to questions raised in the play, including how the characters relate to their own personal heritage and history.

LIFE IN ORCHESTRA

Director Michèle Lonsdale Smith leads the cast of Bad Jews alongside other actors in a free, one-hour theatrical installation that will be open to the public in the Koffler Gallery. Inspired by the legendary Lee Strasberg’s Relaxation technique, this drama process uses all five senses to prepare actors and encourage them to approach their work with vulnerability and authenticity. For the audience, this behind-the-scenes experience is often mind-bending and profoundly moving. Life in Orchestra will be presented on:

Thursday, June 1, 6 PM | Saturday, June 3, 5 PM
FREE & open to the public (no ticket required)

BAD JEWS CAST (in order of appearance)

Jonah – Daniel Krantz
Daphna – Rebecca Applebaum
Liam – Kristopher Turner
Melody – Julia Vally

PRODUCTION

Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon
Director – Michèle Lonsdale•Smith
Producer – Rebecca Applebaum
Stage Manager – Stephen Park
Apprentice Stage Manager – Sarah Jurgens
Set Designer – Mercedes Papalia
Sound Designer – Joey Pollari
Production Assistant – Tattiawna Jones
Publicity – Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications

PERFORMANCES