Between Worlds
Based on the life and poetry of Irena Klepfisz
Conceived and written by Naomi Newman
Yiddish Theatre Ensemble
August 16-20, 2023 at Live Oak Theatre, Berkeley
Yiddish Theatre Ensemble is producing Between Worlds, a new play based on the life and poetry of celebrated writer Irena Klepfisz. This production is inspired by Irena’s recently published book, Her Birth and Later Years: New and Collected Poems, 1971-2021 (Wesleyan University Press). The Jewish Book Council named Her Birth and Later Years a finalist for the Jewish Book Award in Poetry. Klepfisz was also honored by the Yiddish Book Center for the 2022 Year of Women in Yiddish.
Between Worlds is conceived and written by acclaimed actress Naomi Newman in collaboration with dramaturg Zack Rogow. This original theatre piece will be directed by YTE co-artistic director Bruce Bierman and created with an ensemble of four actors with Naomi Newman in the lead role. Collaborators also include percussionist Barbara Borden and Susanne DiVincenzo on cello and bass. Choreography by Frances Sedayao.
The live performances will be filmed and an online film production will be available for viewing on the YTE website and accessible for audiences beyond the Bay Area. In addition, YTE will plan a series of workshops to include scholars of Yiddish poetry, conversations with Irena Klepfisz, and audience talk-backs with actors and the production team.