Stars of David
Jews have been central to the entertainment industry all around the world for at least 200 years.
Would Hollywood have existed without Purim spiels? Would there be a musical theatre without Jews? What is it like to be a Jew in the entertainment industry today?
Come learn the entertaining answers to these questions and others with EHRS’ very own star studded line up on Sunday 08 December from 9:45-12:30.
£5.00 with refreshments for members, £10.00 for non-members.
The Programme will be as follows:
09:45 – 10:15 Welcome coffees and pastries in The Lounge
10:15 – 11:15 3 sessions to choose from:
Session 1 – Rabbi Mark & Cantor Tamara – When Cantors were stars & how Yiddish theatre created Hollywood
Take a trip back in time to an era in America when Cantors were Stars. Cantor Tamara asks you to imagine a singer whose voice you hear on all the popular radio stations. Whose performances sell out in mere minutes, who attract crowds who queue for hours on end to gain entry into one of their shows. Now imagine that singer…. is a Cantor!
Also, in this session Rabbi Mark will tell you all about how Yiddish Theatre created Hollywood.
Session 2 – Adam Lenson – Directing and Developing Jewish Stories Onstage
Adam Lenson is a north London based theatre director and dramaturg. He developed and directed the recent double sell out musical, Cable Street. Adam has also made two autobiographical solo shows that prominently feature Jewish themes. He was recently selected as one of Jewish News’ creative stars under 40.
Session 3 – Judi Herman – Why so many Jewish composers & lyricists are at the top of their game
Judi Herman is an Arts and Podcast Editor, Jewish Renaissance Magazine and online. In her session she asks why so many Jewish composers and lyricists are at the top of their game? She celebrates the composers and lyricists like Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lerner and Loewe of My Fair Lady fame. These composers came together to bring joy to generations of audiences; and how their music lives on.
1:15 – 11:30 Break in The Lounge
11:30 – 12:30 3 sessions to choose from:
Session 4 – Jewish Improv – An EHRS Star is Born – Whose improv is it anyway?
Originally part of Maccabi Association London, they are a small group led by Peter Stern that meet once a week to escape reality and have a laugh acting out scenes without the hindrance of a script. Using a series of structured games, we will show you the basics of improvisation using just three fundamental rules. We hope you can join us to contribute some ideas and participate in some of the scenes.
Session 5 – Louisa Clein – Challenges & delights of being a Jewish actor today
Louisa Clein will be in conversation with Laurence Stein on what does it mean to be an openly Jewish actor in Britian’s entertainment industry. Louisa Clein is an actress on film, television, tv and stage. Best known for her long-standing role in Emmerdale. She is a member of EHRS and very actively involved in the issue of being a Jew within the entertainment industry. You may also have seen her in Holby City, Casualty and Mid-Sommer Murders. She appeared in Jews in their own words at the Royal Court Theatre in 2022.
Session 6 – Roy Rodgers – The accidental sculptor!
Roy Rodgers is a sculptor in the British Film Industry working on film series such as Star Wars, Indian Jones, Alien and Harry Potter. He trained at the Royal Academy and was Senior Lecturer at the Harrow School of Art before immersing himself in the film industry. Roy’s talk today is called the “accidental sculptor”.
