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Experience powerful true stories brought to life by professional actors, all centered around fascinating themes.
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What’s Trending?
On Being Jewish Now Press & Info
How does it feel to be Jewish today? From fear to pride, these 14 true stories from writers in a post-October 7th world will make you feel more connected than ever to one another. A naturalization ceremony. A Jewish Iranian family being able to buy food in a kosher butcher store for the first time and the story of a young man from El Salvador whose family practiced their faith behind closed doors. He later left to study in America. Other stories include the writer Joanna Rakoff’s exploration of an excavated, long-hidden synagogue in pre-inquisition Spain, one by Rabbi Sharon Brous recounting an uneasy boat trip where passengers interrogated fellow travelers to find out if they were Jews, as well as one written by actor Mark Feuerstein, about a man taking a spin on the dance floor—literally, by breakdancing—at his twins’ b’nei mitzvah. These stories are curated from the book of the same name, edited by Zibby Owens.
“a triumph”
– Times of Israel
“gripping”
– The Jewish Journal
“raw authenticity”
– Broadway World
“don’t miss”
– J Living Magazine
“transporting”
– Santa Monica Daily Press
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Give your organization exciting NEW ways to deliver Jewish culture, cultivate connection, and build community and do it in a way that fits your schedule and budget. The Braid brings original, professional theater directly to your synagogue to do what great art does best: stir people into feeling like they are not alone. Our shows are built on the real stories of our people; the ones that make audiences whisper, “That’s my story,” or “My family lived that, too.” Elevate your programming with an experience that turns “audience members” into a deeply connected community. See our list of 250+ partners that have collaborated with us.
For inquiries or more information on booking The Braid, contact jodi@the-braid.org
What does The Braid Provide?
- Professionally acted and directed performances
- Marketing package (show graphic, blurb, actors’ photos, and sample flyer)
- Press release you can customize and send to local press
- Playbill/program template you print or distribute
- Technical crew to run the show on Zoom, in-person, or other platforms
- The Braid leadership to introduce and contextualize the show
- Moderated post-show Q&A lasting 10-15 min to deepen engagement (optional)
I Loved Jew, I Loved Jew Not Press & Info
A dozen contemporary stories about how the Jewish people survive and thrive in the face of hatred. They include such incidents as a Jewish journalist encountering a Nazi, campus antisemitism, a young Catholic child questioning a nun about why they aren’t Jewish since Jesus was, a non-Jewish woman who devotes her life to helping observant Jews in the hospital, and a woman revealing a life of persecution in Iran and the astonishing challenges she faces from fellow Jews in America. Emmy Award-winning comedian Monica Piper tells her own story, of creating her off-Broadway show that was launched through her involvement with The Braid.
“real, raw, and reflective of this moment”
– The Jewish Journal
“fresh words from Jews about today’s current crisis as well as other deeply personal experiences not often covered in the media”
– BroadwayWorld
“There is no more vital moment to tell this particular Jewish story, one that is as old as our people itself — antisemitism and the strength to stand against it.”
– The Argonaut
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Remembrance of Things Present Press & Info
These stories of the descendents of survivors, once kept secret, are now brought to life in a work of searing but ultimately inspirational theatre. Discover how the son and grandson of legendary Tuvia Bielsky, the partisan leader who led Jewish armed resistance against the Nazis and was the subject of the film Defiance, struggle to live up to the legacy of their heroic forebear. Wrestle along with a daughter as she sees that having her father give testimony to the Shoah project video archive has reopened deep psychological wounds. And feel inspiration as the daughter of a French Resistance fighter carries her mother’s indomitable example into her own life of activism. These and other important stories will be featured in a show that’s not to be missed and will speak to everyone.
“in a time of rising antisemitism, this show offers the world vital wisdom, resilience, and hope”
– Broadway World
“these stories shed a different light”
– The Jewish Journal
“powerful stories”
– The Times of Israel
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
What Do I Do With All This Heritage? Press & Info
Written and produced by Asian American Jews, What Do I Do with All This Heritage? offers more than a dozen true stories, including stories of mixed-race and mixed-religion Jews, patrilineal Jews and growing up in a Jewish community in India that’s existed for countless generations, plus a story about being both Muslim and Jewish, and one about a Vietnamese American teenager struggling to reconcile her Orthodox Jewish tradition with her secret love of dancing to K-Pop.
” witty, insightful and sometimes heartbreaking”
– Jewish Journal
“richness, joy, humor and drama”
– San Francisco Chronicle
“takes audiences inside the world of Asian Jews while speaking to everyone who’s ever struggled to balance different sides of their identity.”
– BroadwayWorld
“a ‘must see, do not miss’ experience”
– Curtain Up
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Stories from the Violins of Hope Press & Info
Watch the Trailer:
A truly moving experience you have to see, hear and feel to believe. 7 actors and 4 musicians bring to life the incredible true stories of violins played in ghettos, forests and concentration camps… and of the passionate Israeli violin maker determined to restore them. Now heard in performances all over the world, they are called the Violins of Hope.
“Powerful.”
“Moving.”
“An absolute must-see.”
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
The Art of Forgiveness Press & Info
Is there an art to forgiveness?Jewish women reveal their secrets to forgiving. But do they ever forget? Find out in this moving and thought-provoking show that deals with sibling rivalry, betrayal, ex-husbands, a German’s plea for forgiveness and one woman’s ability to forgive herself after a horrible accident that takes a man’s life. All this, and more, will bring you to tears and laughter as well. Tried and true powerhouse of a show!
“These and more stories will make you laugh, cry and, perhaps, even lead you to forgiveness.”
– Jewish Boston
“The show is jam-packed with humor and tears.”
STLJewishLight
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Do The Right Thing Press & Info
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
L'Chaim America! Press & Info
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
What a Surprise! Press & Info
In times of rising antisemitism, these stories showcase the best of how Jewish values are there for life’s most shocking curveballs. Discover how Einstein’s cousin saved a young Asian man from dying within the criminal justice system. Laugh along as Black Jewish comedian Joshua Silverstein learns a heartwarming secret behind his grandma’s latke recipe. Feel uplifted as a young man comes to appreciate an aunt who’s on the Autism Spectrum. Be profoundly moved as a Jewish teenager, decades before the #MeToo movement, stands up to a shocking sexual harassment.
“a collection of mostly true stories that take the audience on a theatrical journey into the Jewish soul.”
– Jewish Journal
“Jewish values have a special power to anchor, guide and uplift, as a new theatre production demonstrates in What a Surprise!”
– BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Holiday Favorites
Arise Press & Info
Enter into a rivalry that ends up with someone’s hair on fire! Will a Jewish woman from Mexico City moving to a small town in Oregon find acceptance? What happens when you give up Jewish foods to lose weight; does it also mean you have to give up your Jewish identity? One woman, recovering her health, sees a holiday miracle that her teenage son has become a mensch. And what is Hanukkah, Bakersfield style?
“Funny, poignant, and meaningful tales about sibling rivalry, parents and children, and Jewish life”
– Jewish Journal
“poignant, funny, and moving stories”
– Oshman Family JCC
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Crossing Our Red Sea Press & Info
Hear stories about a naughty cousin who scared grandma by pretending he was Elijah the prophet. Laugh about a mother’s serious trauma when she found that her six-year old son had head lice, one of the ten plagues God brought down on the Egyptians. Other stories relate the story of Passover to heartbreaking divorce, eternal anti-Semitism, and how the traditional song Dayeinu, which means “it would have been enough” relates to endless emails, wrinkles, computer crashes and other annoyances of life in 2018.
“a funny and heartwarming show about liberation and letting go”
– Jewish Journal
“a blend of fears, tears, and laughter as well.”
– Bonnie Priever, Curtain Up
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Wide Open Press & Info
The theme, “wide open,” explores the ways in which we respond to opportunity, big or small. These pivot points in our lives often lead to vivid and unforgettable stories, and The Braid explores them through a Jewish lens, taking ten incredible, true tales of such moments and bringing them to life.
“Wide Open is full of authentic, vulnerable stories that strike at the heart of taking risks and connecting to something bigger than ourselves.”
– Jewish Journal
“vivid and unforgettable stories”
– BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Who Hiding Now? Press & Info
Celebrate Purim with The Braid! Watch classic Braid stories in a brand new format! Melanie Chartoff’s gynecologist prescribes an unusual remedy for what ails her. Monica Piper is an unrepretent Deliliah; Joshua Silverstein laments that he is no longer “special” – or is he? These and more stories, plus beautiful music, make an unforgettable Purim show.
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
The Matzo Ball Diaries Press & Info
You will laugh at a reminiscence of childhood obesity caused by Jewish food; hear the fascinating story of how the International House of Pancakes was started, and feel the pain of a woman struggling with anorexia. And learn the secret to making the best brisket ever. These and other stories will give taste for fabulous stories about food! A must see for anyone who loves to eat!
“A recipe for a great show”
– The Argonaut
“A wonderful recipe for laughter and tears”
– Temple Beth El
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Spotlighting a Diverse Jewish People
Chutzpah & Salsa Press & Info
The immigrant story you don’t know and won’t see anywhere else! Stories, poems and songs written by Latino Jews, reveal funny, poignant, and pivotal moments in their lives. One 14-year old girl learns the lesson of social justice when her actions help a close family member “surface” in Argentina after she has “disappeared” during the Dirty War. A Syrian Jewish woman from Mexico City can’t understand why she’s such an oddity in a small town in Oregon. A convert from Cuba is moved when members of her shul help arrange a Catholic funeral for her beloved mother. These and other stories will move you and make you laugh. A winner for all!
“Dramatic, profound, heartfelt stories”
– Jewish Journal
“Funny, poignant and pivotal moments”
– Jewish News of Northern California
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
True Colors Press & Info
Jews of Color share their yearning for belonging and the rich and complicated question that is identity.
“A diverse array of stories about Jewish identity.”
–Jewish Journal
“Poignant and moving stories of questioning, of feeling like the outsider, of committing to Judaism”
–Splash Magazine
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Star-Spangled Sabra Press & Info
America is a place of new opportunities, but for immigrants from Israel and their families, the story is more complicated. From uproarious tales of culture shock to the heartache of longing for family across the ocean, this community has many stories to share with the world. True stories about SuperBowl parties to the American Bar Mitzvah to homecoming, and patience while standing in line, deal with the unique situations of adjusting to a new land, a new life, a new beginning, yet forever holding their homeland of Israel, near and dear.
“a fresh collage that weaves in a fuller tapestry of such a vibrant and growing community”
– Jewish Journal
“This show is truly a noble, honest work of art, full of star spangled drama and humor.”
– Bonnie Priever Curtain Up
“Uproarious tales of culture shock”
– Broadway World
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Out Loud! Press & Info
Celebrating Pride and uplifting the stories of LGBTQ+ people, The Braid has handpicked a collection of true stories about people who are both queer and Jewish, brought vividly to life in a dramatic, soulful, and ultimately triumphant performance.
“love, light, laughter and tears”
– Hey Alma
“The Braid captures the beauty, diversity, and vibrance of the Jewish Queer experience in “Out Loud”
Jewish Journal
“a beautiful representation of the humanity and heart of the LGBTQIA+ community”
BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Persian Sunrise, American Sunset Press & Info
True stories from second-generation Iranian immigrants, of what it’s like to come from the Persian culture and at the same time be raised in the United States. A young woman remembers the night she and her family transformed from being Iranians to Iranian-Americans; another woman recounts how as a college freshman she celebrates her first Passover seder away from her family. As the Haggadah is read, she notices the differences in seder rituals between her Askhenzai tablemates and her Persian upbringing. Some of the stories are hilarious, including one about a group of elderly Iranians who visit Glen Ivy Hot Springs. Others, such as the story of a young Iranian gay man who exercises his power of attorney to end the life and suffering of his terminally ill mother, are heartbreaking.
“The autobiographical narratives are deeply engaging.”
– Jewish Journal
“stories that reveal the complexity and richness of the American Jewish experience”
– Forward
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Saffron & Rosewater Press & Info
“These performances honor the courage and resilience of women who lived epic, sometimes heroic lives”
– Times of Israel
“a stellar cast”
– Jewish News
This original show explores the Persian Jewish woman’s experiences as a child fleeing Iran, an immigrant adapting to a new home, a college student wishing to move to a dorm but defying her traditional father, a writer making it in America, and an immigrant celebrating Thanksgiving, and features works by Persian powerhouse writers: Gina Nahai, Angella Nazarian, Farideh Golden, Esther Amini and Dora Levy Mossanen.
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Exile: Kisses on Both Cheeks Press & Info
After the Spanish Inquisition and the expulsion of Jews, the stories in Exile: Kisses on Both Cheeks, tell of the losses that still haunt and inhabit today’s Sephardim. Learn about the nomadic history of Sephardic Jews who were told they could “die as Jews or live as Muslims,” and hear songs and poetry that describe exile and yearning. You will learn why an Egyptian Jewish family decided to have a seder on the first night of Passover, even though they were being banished from Alexandria the following day. And you will laugh at stories of “intermarriage,” a term which relatives use to describe what happens when a Sephardic Jewess falls in love with an Ashkenazi man. In another story, a young father whose Sephardic family lived in Syria and is now in the U.S., tries to teach his daughter Arabic, which he himself barely knows, and is gratified when she responds. Even though he knows they’ll never go back to Syria, her counting to 10 in Arabic is a symbolic return to a land where his family once felt at home.
“at times tragic or hilarious and always touching”
– Jewish Journal
“Poignant masterpiece”
– Splash Magazines
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Refused No more Press & Info
Given the chance for freedom, the Jews in the former Soviet Union had so many feelings: feelings of doubt, confusion, pride, hope, and love, sometimes all at once. These true stories express the idea of home, identity and belonging.
“a gem of an outstanding team of director and actors”
“brilliant, heartfelt writing”
Bonnie Priever Curtain Up
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Sweet Tea & the Southern Jew Press & Info
Thirteen authentic true tales about the complex challenges Southern Jews face as they navigate a life filled with both Judaism and Dixie. The collection includes Caroline Aaron of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel describing how her mother was not satisfied with an existence of “starched dresses, white gloves, and mandatory ‘yes ma’ams and no sirs,’ but as a widow raising three children, Aaron’s mother fought tirelessly against all odds to integrate a deeply segregated Richmond. You will be moved to tears by playwright Izzy Salant’s gripping recollection of how his Maryland community responded in the wake of his mother’s suicide. For a ten-year-old boy, such a loss could be utterly destructive. But not if Izzy’s Jewish and non-Jewish classmates could help it. Their Southern hospitality sparked them to rise against the darkness of the moment. And you will be on the edge of your seat when two young women driving to Miami find themselves stranded in the middle of the Florida wilderness.
“They’re as much Southerners as they are Jews, and a remarkable blend of both.”
– Broadway World
“Stories of struggle, humor, and exploring what it means to be Jewish in the South.”
– NYC Patch
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Jews in America Press & Info
“In a society plagued by a growing fissure, families dividing in uncivil discourse, and friends splitting from one another, confusion, despair and silence, I wanted to explore and celebrate what unifies us. I wanted to find blessings in the stories from where we’ve come, to remember our contributions to this home in which we’ve lived for hundreds of years, and to celebrate where we are going, together, as one nation under God.”
– Ronda Spinak, Artistic Director
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Holocaust & Strong Jewish Content
Eden According to Eve Press & Info
Revisit Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Rebecca, and Delilah in an all-new way. What happens when Jewish women re-imagine bible stories from a feminine perspective and set the stories in today’s world? Find out in this raucous, moving, and ultimately thoughtful evening of commissioned work that traverses such subjects as growing older, betrayal, suicide, divorce and rape. This is a not-to-be-missed show that delivers.
“This show will make you laugh and cry, give you hope and break your heart.”
– Orange County Register
“Eve is very rarely quoted in the Bible, but she had a lot to say. Unfortunately Adam got all the coverage-until now.”
– BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Stories from the Fringe Press & Info
This Salon is plucked from 1000 pages of transcripts of interviews with 18 of Los Angeles’ most prominent women rabbis. Be moved when a little girl of 13 realizes she won’t be counted in a minyan, or feel inspired by one woman who realizes she wants to be a rabbi, or laugh at a 40 year-old rabbi entering the world of dating. This show offers an inspiring look at the women who are changing the face of Judaism. Poignant and magical as women rabbis are known as never before. View Trailer Here
“stories of all women trailblazers and innovators who follow the calling to embrace their lives’ work.”
–BroadwayWorld
“profoundly moved by this heart-wrenching, inspiring, and joyful piece”
-MD TheatreGuide
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Additional Themes to Explore
Hold Me, Heal Me Press & Info
– 
An agoraphobic in Beverly Hills is helped out by a stranger on the phone in Mumbai. Ex-lovers meet in an airport 10 years post-relationship and find that love is still there. A young woman who shares food with inmates is repaid with her life. A Shabbos goy is comforted by a rabbi. A show for everyone!
“touching and honest acknowledgement of the lives we lead”
– Jewish Journal
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
The Accidental Activist Press & Info
Meet Elaine, a young mother who discovers her adopted son is autistic and starts a nonprofit to help kids, Libby, a 94 year-old who wasn’t too elderly to lead her fellow tenants to fight back against their greedy landlord and Janet, whose vegetarian protest led to the loss of her community, which was built around chicken soup. Other stories focus on a 9/11 survivor’s precarious journey through life and a mother’s determination to ignite a fire of social justice in her young daughter, who would rather have stayed in bed than march against global warming.
“an evening of inspiration, tears, laughter and valuable life lessons”
– Santa Ynez Valley Star
“A moving and humorous show”
– Oshman Familly JCC
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Living After Press & Info
Amazing and empowering stories of loss and courage. Hear from a man about his deep relationship with his dog. A single-mother raising a teen-aged son through the challenges of chemo.
“a new show that illuminates the heart and heartbreak of cancer”
–BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Mapping of the Mind Press & Info
Hear from a father who creates a seder for his special needs son. A woman battling her inner demons every single Yom Kippur. A love story between a woman and her therapist of 20 years.
“Touching, humorous, and truthful accounts about the courage it takes to live with mental illness and the hope and strategies that can make the impossible possible.”
– BroadwayWorld
“An unforgettable and provocative evening”
– Osher-Marin JCC
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Family Secrets Press & Info
Featuring an original song about one wildly dysfunctional family! Hear the tantalizing story of a father’s secret daughter who teaches her new sister about love. What happens when you send the remnants of an un-kosher sandwich to God? Learn how one grandfather became a name on the lips of so many black South Africans. And what are the challenges of public speaking as a Jew in Oman?
“A mix of poignant, shocking, funny and touching true stories”
– Jewish Journal
“Evocative stories!”
– Splash Magazine
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Guilty Parties Press & Info
The moral dilemmas today aren’t any different from those of our parents and our grandparents. The issues today are different, but living with consequences of our life choices are perpetual. Guilty Parties offers stories and song that examine Jewish guilt from a young adult perspective. In this show you will meet a woman who is too guilty to order a Frappuccino at Starbucks; join a mother/daughter duo on an emotional shopping trip for a wedding dress; and share the life lessons learned by a book editor whose youthful experience squeezing every dollar out of an 85-year old crippled author changes her moral responsibilities for life; and encounter a Jewish lesbian who finally discovers love with a woman 40 years her junior.
“each individual story unique yet universal”
Bonnie Priever Curtain Up
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
One Person Shows
Not That Jewish Press & Info
“Funny…delicious…a gem”
–The New York Times
“Hilarious. A delightful, completely charming look at a woman with the comic skills, timing, and creativity to tickle every funny bone”
– Splash Magazines
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Sacred Resistance Press & Info
“Another winner…”
-Splash Magazines
“Engrossing, funny, intelligent, emotional and compelling…”
–If The Devil Had Menopause
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Fried Chicken & Latkes Press & Info
Funny, Compelling, Outstanding! Cannot be missed.
“Poignant and hilarious”
– The Jewish Journal
“Comical and heart-wrenching”
– Splash Magazines
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Annie Korzen Famous Actress Press & Info
An evening of laughs, tears, music – and some gentle prodding by a master storyteller and “Moth” mainstager.
“An equally funny and moving exploration of her life onstage, on camera and off”
– The Jewish Journal
“I love every story Annie tells. She will make you laugh, cry and nod in recognition. Between laughs, she is able to capture gorgeous, surprising, life-affirming truths.”
– BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
email jodi@the-braid.org
Available by Special Request
More Courage Press & Info
Hear the dramatic story of how a son negotiates his father’s release in a Syrian kidnapping. Sit spellbound hearing the trials of being the first Jewish Miss America. Feel deep emotion witnessing the struggles of a transgender woman who was once a Hasidic rabbi. A Muslim comic tells how she ended up converting. There’s a story of forbidden love between Arabs and Jews. Another story of true connection between a traditional Arab and a secular Israeli Jew when each discovers they have more in common with one another as mothers than those of their own communities. A must see for people of all faiths!
“wide-ranging, diverse stories are all deeply thought provoking, and superbly performed by a multi-talented cast”
– Splash Magazines
“More Courage’ is the antidote to polarized times we are living in”
– Times of Israel
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Sex, Lies & Virtual Relationships Press & Info
An incredibly thought-provoking show! Facebook is used to offer a confession from 45 years ago. A woman is jealous of the navigation device in her husband’s car, mostly because she used to tell her husband where to go. A lonely, rejected married woman explores an all-marrieds dating site only to find a love she cannot have. A cyber obit makes an actor more famous in death than in life. A fantastic show!
“a startling, humorous and thought-provoking show”
– J Weekly
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
The Way Home Press & Info
Stories that show us home can be a memory, a feeling, a place, or a fantasy. A young mixed race woman moves into a duplex apartment owned by a Holocaust survivor and learns family is more than blood; one man’s life journey to find a stable home in Los Angeles; an Iranian girl struggles to understand why her parents changed their last name and gave up their Persian heritage, which she always felt was important to them and to the family.
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
Family Matters Press & Info
We love them. We hate them. The matters of family, and why family matters, are as old as the Bible. This show reveals in stories and songs our most personal family stories. The show features 14 stories about family dynamics, mended relationships, coping with grief, welcoming new members into a family, drug abuse and what it means to carry on a family legacy. The show features four of The Braid’s actors: Writer-actress-singer-comic Shelly Goldstein, who is also writing a new story for the show; Emmy award nominee Rick Zieff, who specializes in portraying “the Jewish experience” and voice-acting dogs; Jasmine Curry, who often appears in improv and sketch comedy shows with groups such as The Groundlings; and “Picket Fences” and “Cheers” actress Kate Zentall.
“Revealing stories”
– Jewish Journal
“The Braid’s virtual audiences at the performances will be given an abundance of theatrical riches”
– BroadwayWorld
To book this show,
contact jodi@the-braid.org
