PURIM 5785
Berkeley, CA ~ March 14, 2025
“The Purim Shpiel tradition has long been a space for political satire, critique, and the expression of rage, grief, and the urgent desire for change. At a time when current events feel absurdly sinister, we felt it was essential to ground our research in the ideological forces shaping both our government and contemporary Jewish life. We examined the role of Christian Nationalism, the weaponization of antisemitism by institutions like The Heritage Foundation—particularly through their initiative, Project Esther—and its entanglement with Jewish exceptionalism. We explored the origins of the Megillah, and dove into Ishtar mythology. We wrote spells and songs. We let impulse lead.
Last Friday night, we met in person for the first time, over a shabbat meal. We created ritual, set our intentions, and began to till the soil of our collective creative mission. On Saturday, our group scripted and learned lyrics and choreography. On Sunday we threw it all together. We see this mad dash creative process - the bravery, boldness, and irreverence it calls for - as a kind of portal for community catharsis and connection. And isn’t that just what we need in 2025?!”
Produced by
@wellofwillscollective @kikilipsett @sobez / Written by
@hroodman @nessoono @kikilipsett with the cast/ directed by
@nessoono
Adapted Lyrics by
@kikilipsett
Production design by
@meiravi
#performance #jewishart #queerart #experimental #experimentaltheatre #performanceart #socialpractice
