Yiddish is alive and well in New York City at Kulturfest NYC, with klezmer concerts, plays, even a street fair. Yiddish theater from around the world is presented with English translation super-titles so everyone can enjoy the drama. The music needs no translation. And prices are an affordable $15-$18 per event.
These performances, presented by the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, are today through Sunday, at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Ave. (enter on 25th St. between Lex and Third):
Tonight Lola Blau – Features Maia Morgenstern of the State Jewish Theater of Romania in a tour-de-force performance as a cabaret performer, through her years as a refugee, rise to Broadway stardom and heartbreaking return to post-war Europe in search of the life and love that she left behind. Come to the cabaret, my friend, in Yiddish. Performances are tonight and Saturday night. Get tickets here.
Uncle Arthur – Features Rafael Goldwasser from Der LufTeater (France) in a provocative and moving drama about a survivor’s failed attempt to dramatize his harrowing experience in Auschwitz. Also at Baruch, tomorrow, Friday. Get tickets here.
Di Khasene in Fernvald (The Wedding in Föhrenwald) – A groundbreaking drama about the first wedding among the survivors in a displaced persons camp as a shattered community finds the strength to get up from their mourning and bravely move forward towards new family and life. Featuring Alec Burko, Spencer Chandler, I. W. “Itzy” Firstone, Rafael Goldwaser, Lea Kalisch, Richar Kass, Rebecca Keren, Lori Leifer, Sophia Levit, Rabbi Avram Mlotek, Maia Morgenstern, Jenny Romaine, Yelena Shmulenson, Max Sterling,and Steve Sterner. Two performances Sunday, a matinee and evening. Get tickets here.
Also this weekend:
A Taste of Jewish Culture Street Fair – Ess, even fress, your way through this street fair, featuring the best of Jewish food. Local vendors include Baz Bagel & Restaurant, Black Seed Bagels, Breads Bakery, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys with Gefilteria, Brooklyn Sesame, Court Street Grocers, Dassara Brooklyn Ramen, Guss’ Pickles, Judy’s Knishes, Kossar’s Bialys, La Newyorkina, Marani Glatt Kosher Georgian Restaurant, Mile End Deli, OddFellows Ice Cream Co., Sage Kitchen, Scharf & Zoyer, Shelsky’s Smoked Fish, Taim. Sunday, 11AM to 6PM on Sisth Avenue, between 48th and 50th Streets.
Kulturfest NYC events next week:
Fiddlers on the Roof: Alicia Svigals klezmer string band concert and fiddlers music workshop
- Thursday | June 30, 2016
- 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at JCC Manhattan 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th St.
Kulturfest NYC events in July:
Klezmer Brunch with Paul Shapiro
- Sunday | July 3, 2016
- 11:00 am at City Winery 155 Varick St.
- Klezmer Bruch is a regular Sunday “thing”, which different klezmer artists each week.
- Monday, July 4, 2016 through August 28th at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place.
- Note that tickets for this award-winning 1923 operetta are $40-$50.
See the full schedule of Kulturfest NYC events through August.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.