The Koffler Centre to Stage Toronto Premiere of BAD JEWS

The Koffler Centre of the Arts presents the Toronto premiere of Joshua Harmon's "exhilaratingly abrasive" play, Bad Jews (Daily Telegraph). After the death of their beloved grandfather, three cousins gather in a cramped Manhattan apartment and fight over a precious family heirloom, learning there is much more at stake than who gets what.

In one corner is Daphna Feygenbam, a "real Jew" who is volatile, self-assured, and unbending. In the other is her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man who has his "shiksa" girlfriend, Melody, in tow. Stuck in the middle is Liam's brother, Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray. When Liam stakes claim to a pendant their grandfather carried through the Holocaust, a fierce and hilarious brawl over family, faith, and legacy ensues. Bursting with crisp, fast-paced dialogue, Bad Jews is "delicious, nasty fun" (New York Post) that is as thought-provoking and poignant as it is viciously funny.

Bad Jews director Michèle Lonsdale Smith says, "the play is about people living and loving together, and how we often end up inflicting the deepest wounds on those closest to us. Joshua Harmon has written an incredibly truthful and funny depiction of what it means to be a member of a family divided by religion."

Bad Jews stars performer and playwright Rebecca Applebaum, whose mixed-race identity brings a layer of complexity to the pivotal role of "super Jew" Daphna. The cast includes Kristopher Turner (This Life, Saving Hope) as cousin Liam, and Daniel Krantz as his brother Jonah. Set and costume design is by Mercedes Papalia.

In addition to ten performances of Bad Jews, the Koffler Centre of the Arts will present a series of associated public programs including talks and workshops.

Premiered in New York in 2012, Bad Jews has become one of the most produced plays in the United States and is one of the most frequently produced plays in the world, earning critical acclaim from London to Sydney.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Thursday, May 25, 2017: 8 PM Preview

Friday, May 26, 2017: 8 PM Opening Night

Saturday, May 27, 2017: 2 PM matinee & 8 PM evening

Sunday, May 28, 2017: 2 PM

Thursday, June 1, 2017: 8 PM

Friday, June 2, 2017: 8 PM

Saturday, June 3, 2017: 2 PM & 8 PM

Sunday, June 4, 2017: 2 PM

Ticket prices: $30 adult | $25 youth/senior/arts worker

Tickets for Bad Jews are now on sale online at kofflerarts.org or by phone at 647-925-0643.

The Koffler Centre of the Arts is a Jewish cultural organization that presents a cross-disciplinary, contemporary arts program encouraging inquiry and exploration. We promote an inter-cultural dialogue that engages our Jewish identity with diverse perspectives and global voices. The Koffler Gallery and its administrative offices are located at Artscape Youngplace, in Toronto's vibrant downtown West Queen West art and design district.

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