Theatre Ariel celebrates Israel’s 60th Anniversary with three performances showcasing Israeli arts and culture. Through the words of Israel’s poets, writers and composers, the events will cumulatively highlight the story of the land and people of Israel from Biblical times to present day.

Theatre Ariel’s celebration kicks off with 60 FOR 60: AN ISRAELI POETRY SLAM on Tuesday, May 13 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM in the Rotunda at the Shops in Liberty Place (16th and Chestnut Streets). 60 FOR 60 features 60 Philadelphia VIPs reading (in English) 60 Israeli poems, which spotlight Israel’s important moment in global history and the special bond between Philadelphia and Israel. The participating civic, cultural and business leaders include:

Peggy Amsterdam, President of Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Pat Ciarrochhi, CBS3 Eyewitness News Anchor
Jack Dembow, President and CEO of Jewish Family & Children’s Services
Sara Garonzik, Producing Artistic Director of Philadelphia Theatre Company
Nancy Gilboy, President of International Visitors Center Sister Cities Program
Jane Golden, Director of Mural Arts Program
Gwen Goodman, Executive Director of National Museum of American Jewish History
Carole Haas Gravagno, Philanthropist
Farah Jimenez, Executive Director of Mt. Airy USA
Sam Katz, Business leader
Marcene Mattelman, Director of After School Academic Partnerships
Barry Morrison, Regional Director of Anti-Defamation League
Uriel Palti, Consul General of Consulate General of Israel
Suzanne Roberts, Actress and philanthropist
Jonathan Rosenbaum, President of Gratz College
Margie Salvante, Executive Director of Theatre Alliance
Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz, NBC10 Meterorlogist
Juliet I. Spitzer, Singer/songwriter

Next up for Theatre Ariel is a performance of FACING EAST: ISRAEL THROUGH WORD AND SONG on May 21 at 7:00 PM at The Milkboy (2 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore). Offering a taste of the rich literary and musical culture of Israel, FACING EAST goes beyond the headlines and into the hearts and minds of the people of Israel. Featuring work by Etgar Keret, Savyon Liebrecht, Yehuda Amchai, Idan Raichel. Chava Alberstein and others, FACING EAST travels from the Orthodox world of Jerusalem to a Negev Kibbutz to the streets of Tel Aviv with songs of dreams, hope and the desire for peace. FACING EAST is performed by Juliet I. Spitzer, Shawn Zevit, Ed Gavin and Alana Gerlach. Tickets at $10.00 each are available by calling 610-667-9230.

The celebration concludes with a concert reading of WOMEN’S MINYAN by Naomi Ragen on June 11 at 7:00 PM at Plays and Players Theatre. Directed by Deborah Baer Mozes, the ensemble cast will feature Susan Moses and Hazel Bower. Tickets at $10.00 each are available by calling 610-667-9230.

Based on a true story, WOMEN’S MINYAN shines an honest spotlight on women living in the ultra-orthodox world and its impact on their lives and faith. Chana flees her ultra-orthodox community in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, leaving behind twelve children and taking with her a life of painful secrets and memories of an abusive marriage. Two years later, armed with a secular court order, she returns with the hope of seeing the children who have been hidden from her. Now she must face the higher court of judgement - her family and friends.

Commissioned by Habima, Israel’s national theater, WOMEN’S MINYAN recently closed after a record-breaking six-year run. Author, journalist and now playwright, Naomi Ragen has become one of the Jewish world’s most controversial and popular novelists and political commentators. An Orthodox woman and fiercely outspoken advocate for gender equality, her works hold a unique place in the Jewish library.

Founded in 1990, Theatre Ariel is Pennsylvania’s oldest professional theater dedicated to illuminating the rich social, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the Jewish people. Theatre Ariel produces and commissions’ works that serves as a bridge between people of all cultures while also strengthening Jewish identity. Since its inception, Theatre Ariel has given life to 46 new plays, which reflect on the varied American Jewish experience, as well as work that draws its inspiration from classical Jewish texts. The company produces an extensive Touring Repertoire reaching out to children, teens, families and adults at schools, colleges, libraries, community centers, conferences, synagogues, theatres and nontraditional performing venues. Theatre Ariel serves as an educational resource through its improv troupe ARIELPROV, Youth Theater programs, Teacher Training workshops and collaborations with the National Museum of American Jewish History. Theatre Ariel is a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and through the Association for Jewish Theatre, is at the forefront of an international network of Jewish Theatres and Theatre Artists.

For further information, please call 610-667-9230.