The Sages of Chelm

Jun 19, 2022 - Jun 26, 2022 | Sylvan Adams Theatre

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A Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre Production

By Abraham Shulman
Music by Eli Rubinstein
Directed and Choreographed by Trevor Barrette
Musical Direction by Nick Burgess

One of the DWYT’s most beloved musicals!
It is said that when Earth was created and the time came to fill it with people, an angel was chosen to deposit wise and foolish souls evenly over the land. But after getting caught on a mountaintop, the sack of foolish souls spilled out into the town of Chelm. This heart-warming, humourous, and musically rich production showcases the wisdom found in simplicity and is a loving tribute to Eastern European Jewish folklore.
 

LISA'S NOTE    

Welcome back to the joy and legacy that is our Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre. The return to the stage with this reimagined classic has been a labour of love for all involved, and we thank the entire company that has waited patiently for over two years to bring it to fruition. Most of all, we thank you, the audience, for waiting so patiently to come back. 

We see the power of theatre in how classic works remain relevant, through the questions we ask when we choose to revisit certain plays. This beloved story is deeply rooted both in Jewish folklore and in DWYT history. Under Trevor's direction, it continues its journey through iterations to find a new audience that will delight in this fresh take. Chelm has always been a magical place--that the DWYT is captivating the next generation with this show is something that we hope makes Dora proud. 

The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre, 60+ years young, is entirely unique in the world.  Cherish it, nurture it, and celebrate with us as it lights up the stage once again.

DWYT'S NOTE

"Nokh vos darf a yidishe tokhter frishe luft?  Why does a Jewish girl need fresh air?"

This line from Chelm is one of the most quoted from the DWYT canon - we almost put it on a t-shirt!

After more than two years of separation and seclusion, the fresh air of togetherness and live theatre requires no explanation. We are so very glad that the good wind has brought you to Chelm, and that it brought along Trevor to us as well. From the bottom of our Chelmer hartsn, we thank you, Trevor, and Nick, the entire cast and crew, and everyone at the Segal Centre for helping us breathe fresh air into the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre.

So, welcome and enjoy your stay in Chelm - you may never want to leave because Yiddish theatre is back!

On behalf of the entire Yiddisher grupe,
Jodi Lackman & Jesse Krolik
Co-Presidents of the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

When I was first handed the script for The Sages of Chelm, I made the mistake of reading it on the bus. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I certainly wasn’t expecting to be laughing out loud! The show had already made a fool of me and so I did the next most foolish thing: I decided to direct it. And choreograph it. And stage manage it. (Well, that last one just kind of happened.)

I’ve been living in the vibrant and dynamic town of Chelm for the past five months now and, while it has been a joyous escape from our modern world, I continue to be surprised by how the questions of the musical are so relevant today. 

How do we protect our community and traditions in the face of progress?

How do we welcome the outsider?

How do we bend without breaking?

I want to thank the DWYT family for graciously welcoming me into their community and for supporting me as I bring my wacky vision to one of their most beloved pieces.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Chelm as much as I’ve enjoyed mine!

Trevor Barrette
Director and Choreographer
(and Stage Manager)

CAST

CREATIVE TEAM

BAND

SPECIAL THANKS TO

The volunteers of the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre Archives, Asya Vaisman Schulman and Sebastian Schulman