EVERY GENERATION HAS A STORY TO TELL
Aaron Davidman, Artistic Director
In 1978 Corey Fischer, Albert Greenberg and Naomi Newman were in the vanguard of contemporary Jewish American culture. Their theatrical exploration of Jewish imagination, identity and politics cut an edge through the field and touched a generation in search of meaning. Thirty years later a new generation has found its voice, creating numerous works of Jewish art and culture that resonate with their peers across the country and around the globe. J Dub Records has released albums from a variety of contemporary bands that both rock and explore elements of traditional music…at the same time. Klezmer bands like Golem are packing ‘em in at The Knitting Factory and one has to ask: are they Klezmer? Are they Punk? A Chassidic reggae singer performed on David Letterman for crying out loud. Borat gave us side-splitting laughter throughout a very Jewish indictment against bigotry in America. And Heeb Magazine has reclaimed the pejorative word. (S’up, Heeb). Even the Hebrew Hammer has exploited his own sexy allure to popular acclaim. And here in San Francisco an explosion of contemporary Jewish creativity can be found from the Balkan/Roma/Klemzer beats at Amnesia in the Mission, to the galleries of the stunning new Contemporary Jewish Museum downtown.
Over the years, TJT helped to create a shift in consciousness about what “Jewish” means by exploring old stories and stereotypes and transforming them into vibrant contemporary culture. The company has been a model and an invitation for following generations to do the same. We celebrate 30 years by opening with a play that exemplifies the company’s creative vision: TJT’s original work The Last Yiddish Poet proves itself to be a beautiful, enduring and relevant play. We continue with a line up of works from the masterful writers Bernard Malamud, Donald Margulies and Woody Allen. These artists, each from a different generation, tell unique stories about the Jewish American experience. And finally, our partnership with the HUB at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco brings two new projects and fresh voices to our stage.
Whether you’ve been coming to TJT for 30 years or you don’t trust anyone over 30, there is something relevant here for you. Because every generation has a story to tell.
We invite you to come participate in the telling.
Posted under News
This post was written by ad on October 6, 2008
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