SABBATH VARIATIONS: THE SPLENDOR OF SPACE
Inspired by the writing of Abraham Joshua Heschel
At the Sixth Street Community Synagogue
Saturday, December 11 and Sunday, December 12, 2010

“The Sabbath Variations” explores the concept of work in six new and unexpected ways, giving a 21st-century spin to the rich Talmudic tale of Shimon Bar Yochai. The great mystic emerges from a cave after more than a decade in hiding, and finds himself confounded by the worldly realm.

24/6 draws on this ancient story to create six radically new, 10-minute pieces, with influences ranging from Samuel Beckett to Lady Gaga - from a day in the life of a Japanese salaryman, to a family drama playing out in a hospital room.

Founded by Jesse Freedman, Yoni Oppenheim and Avi Soroka, 24/6 is the first of its kind – a professional Jewish theater company showcasing the work of Sabbath-observant artists. It aims to provide a space for these artists to create cutting-edge, contemporary work, featuring a talented ensemble of actors, writers, directors, dancers and puppeteers. These performances introduce the work of a new crop of young, talented Jewish playwrights, directors and actors.

Both workshop performances will be followed by a discussion of the life and legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel, the theologian and civil rights activist who re-tells this ancient story.

Featuring
The Splendor of Space by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
with Leor Hackel and Etta Abramson, directed by Yoni Oppenheim, with shadow puppet design by Dave Ben-Yshay
Dust in the Wind written and directed by Dorit Katzenelenbogen with Jesse Freedman, Roniel Tessler, Gaby Marcus, Barry Cooper, Etta Abramson
Tongue Play by Chai Hecht directed by Avi Soroka with Dorit Katzenelenbogen
Karoshi Karaoke lyrics by Avi Mermelstein, music by Lady Gaga, conceived and directed by Yoni Oppenheim
with Roniel Tessler, Leor Hackel, Barry Coopers, Gaby Marcus
If Not Now by Ken Kaissar, directed by Jesse Freedman with Barry Cooper, Gaby Marcus, Elyakim Kunstler, Neil Levine
Post-Show Discussion led by Jaime Leah Wynn