ARTS JUDAICA Mission
The Arts Judaica program, sponsored by the non-profit Open Space Arts, employs the transformative power of art to celebrate the essence of Jewish culture, pay homage to its rich history, and staunchly combat the rising tide of antisemitism. In 2024, Arts Judaica envisions the staging of two full-scale theater productions, complemented by a diverse array of monthly film screenings, play readings, lectures, musical showcases, and art events, all dedicated to advancing our mission.
COMING SOON - BERLIN DIARIES
The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz, directed by Izadorius Toledo
Open Space Arts/Arts Judaica will present the Chicago Premiere of The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz opening December 20, 2024 at 7:30pm at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson, Chicago.
The great-grandfather of Oregon Book Award-winning playwright Andrea Stolowitz kept a journal for his descendants after escaping to New York City in 1939 as a German Jew. Following the complicated lure of genealogy, Stolowitz goes back to Berlin to bring the story of her unknown ancestors out of the archives into the light. The record keeps as many secrets as it shares; how do people become verschollen, lost, like library books?
Produced by Elayne LeTraunik and directed by Izadorius Tortuga , the performances are December 20, 21, 27,28, January 3, 4 at 7:30pm , December 22, 29 and January 5 at 2pm.
arts judaica in action - a brief history of our projects
ROSENBERG, a World Premiere by David Meyers directed by Michael D. Graham
Arts Judaica launched in 2024 with a the world premiere staging of ROSENBERG which ran for three weeks in the fall. We also presented two staged readings.
Third Coast Review - Recommended
"...Graham’s direction of Rosenberg is solid with excellent pacing and blocking in the tiny theater space. The performances of all four cast members are solid. Rothbart and Robinson are particularly realistic as a young professional couple dealing with career, political and family issues."
Read Full Review - Nancy S. Bishop
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"..."Rosenberg" is a play that concerns itself with whether Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were spies who leaked highly classified documents about the atomic bomb to the Soviets after World War II. Yet the title is somewhat of a misnomer, since the story is much less about the Rosenbergs, per se, than it is about (the fictional) Sam Goodstein (Dustin Rothbart), who led the Justice Department's prosecution of the case against them for treason."
Read Full Review - Julia W. Rath
Staged Readings
THE LAST JEW
By Andrea Lepcio
Directed by Angela Allyn
October 2023
ADDRESS UNKNOWN
By Kathrine Kressmann Taylor,
edited by Frank Dunlop.
Directed by Elayne LeTraunik
March 2024
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help make our festival a success. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us to learn more about our opportunities.