Producers Kadimah Yiddish Theatre, Monstrous Theatre and Neil Gooding Productions in association with Shalom have confirmed Yentl, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Kadimah Yiddish Theatre production, will play for a strictly limited season in the Playhouse – Sydney Opera House from 17 October 2024.
In an ode to the feminist undertones and queer subtext in the original story, this modern masterpiece invites audiences to celebrate Yiddish culture and the revival of its endangered language in a new stage adaptation of Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer’s iconic short story.
Winner of four Green Room Awards including outstanding writing and performance, and following wide-spread critical acclaim for both its 2022 premiere, and its 2024 Malthouse season, Harbour audiences will be able to experience the convergence of religion, gender, sexual politics, and traditional Yiddish culture in this groundbreaking stage adaptation; the first since the 1975 Broadway play and Barbra Streisand’s iconic 1983 musical film.
“Yentl has long been a powerful and beloved fable of ambition, loss, belonging and identity. Kadimah’s astounding new production brings this classic tale into the 21st century. We can’t wait to share this beautiful and genuinely unique piece of theatre with Sydney audiences,” said Producer Anton Berezin.
Yentl is the journey of a young woman who defies the Jewish orthodox tradition that forbids females from studying religious scripture. When her father dies, Yentl emancipates herself by dressing in male guise, determined to live as a man to continue her studies. Religion, gender, sexual politics, and traditional Yiddish culture collide as Yentl finds her truth through faith and love.
Yentl is directed by Gary Abrahams and co-written by Gary Abrahams, Elise Hearst and Galit Klas – it stars Amy Hack, Nicholas Jaquinot, Evelyn Krape and Genevieve Kingsford. The production features set and costume design by Dann Barber and lighting design by Rachel Burke.
Yentl will play the Playhouse – Sydney Opera House from 17 October 2024. Tickets on sale Tuesday 13 August. For more information, visit: www.yentl.com.au for details.
Image: Yentl (2024 Malthouse season) – photo by Jeff Busby