The Berlin Diaries by Andrea Stolowitz, directed by Izadorius Tortuga
Discover a powerful and emotional journey in THE BERLIN DIARIES, the Chicago premiere of Oregon Book Award-winning playwright Andrea Stolowitz's gripping drama.
Presented by the Arts Judaica program of Open Space Arts in association with Her Story Theater, this captivating play delves into one family's past, lost to history and archives.
Follow Stolowitz's search for truth as she uncovers the hidden stories of her German Jewish ancestors who fled to New York in 1939. What secrets lie within the pages of her great-grandfather's journal, and how does a family's history get lost like forgotten library books?
Starring Eliana Deckner-Glick as Andrea and Artem Kreimer as Max, this production features immersive scenic and graphic design by Viscaya Wilson, sound design by Sean Smyth , and lighting design by Gabe Seplow. Directed by Izadorius Tortuga and produced by Elayne LeTraunik, this is a theatrical experience you won't want to miss.
Join us at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson, Chicago, for performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00 pm from December 20 to January 5.
Tickets are $25 , and $20 for seniors and students.
Secure your spot today and be part of this unforgettable exploration of history, family, and memory.
THE BERLIN DIARIES was first produced as a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere by Theatre Lab at FAU, Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, and CenterStage at the JCC Rochester. For more details, visit nnpn.org.
Originally developed and produced at English Theatre Berlin/International Performing Arts Center (Artistic Director, Daniel Brunet). Further development provided by Orlando Shakespeare Festival, The New Harmony Project, PlayPenn, and New Dramatists
Izadorius Tortuga, Eliana Deckner-Glick, Artem Kreimer
Izadorius Tortuga, Eliana Deckner-Glick, Artem Kreimer
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.
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.