Center Makor

Der Oitzer: Adventure of Jewish Literature in Russia (Presented in Russian)
2020-10-27 19:30 (America/New_York) | MA
Der Oitzer: Adventure of Jewish Literature in Russia (Presented in Russian)

Join us for an adventure of hunting for the treasure of the secular Jewish literature, presented (In Russian) by actor and director Gera Sandler most recently known from the Emmy winning series “Unorthodox”. Immerse yourself in this virtual journey, as he blends the lines between theater and written word, fully engaging you in the fascinating and humorous narration.
Register

INSULTED. BELARUS(SIA)
2020-10-25 20:00 - 21:00, 2020-10-18 20:00 - 21:00
ARLEKIN PLAYERS THEATRE and CHERRY ORCHARD FESTIVAL PRESENT
INSULTED. BELARUS(SIA)
A READING OF THE NEW PLAY BY BELARUSIAN PLAYWRIGHT ANDREI KUREICHIK
October 18 and 25 and November 8, 2020
Needham, MA – Arlekin Players Theatre, and its presenting partner Cherry Orchard Festival in NY, will present two virtual readings of Insulted. Belarus(sia), a new play by Andrei Kureichik, with English translation by John Freedman. The play will be presented in Russian on Thursday, September 17 at 8:00 pm (Directed by Igor Golyak), and in English on Monday, September 21 at 8:00 pm (Directed by Blair Cadden). Both readings will offer a post-show discussion with the playwright, who is currently in hiding from Berlarus authorities.
The readings will take place online via the Zoom platform. Tickets are FREE, but must be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve a Zoom spot, visit arlekinplayers.com or call (617) 942-0022.
The readings are happening World-wide through a number of organizations – see full list below. ““I am thrilled that Igor Golyak and Arlekin Players will be the first of over 20 companies in five countries to present “Insulted. Belarus(sia),” a brilliant and important new play, to the public,” says Translator John Freedman. “Written by Belarus’s top playwright as the revolution was happening all around him, it is filled with drama, pain, and hope.”
Andrei Kureichik is a well-known Belarusian playwright and a member of the Coordination Council of Belarus—a group working to lead the transition to a new government and institute free elections in the wake of the falsified election that took place this August and the massive, ongoing protests that followed. Many members of this group are now in prison. Others have been forced into hiding or out of the country. Less than a week ago, while in hiding, Kureichik sent the text of his just-finished play to his translator with a request to quickly arrange readings so that others could know what they were experiencing. Within a week, over twenty theaters have signed on to present readings, and that number continues to grow.
The play tells the story of the first month of the Belarusian revolution, its ups and downs on the eve of the inevitable democratization of the country after 26 years of dictatorship. All characters have real prototypes; in some you will recognize former and current leaders of the country, in others – incredible Belarusians who have gone out to battle the totalitarian machine, sometimes at the cost of their lives, their freedom, and their loved ones. They represent polar points of view in the awakened Belarusian society. The author seeks to understand how the Belarusian revolution differs from Prague in 1968, Russia in 1991 and Ukraine in 2014. He tells of the tragic escalation of violence and repression employed by the authorities to repress freedom-seeking Belarusians with bayonets and clubs, and how solidarity, truth and faith in human values inevitably lead to victory over evil.
Arlekin Players’ Artistic Director Igor Golyak says, “It’s quite gruesome and unbelievable what is currently happening in Balarus. People are being tortured, found in forests, randomly picked up by men with no identifiers as a reaction to hundreds of thousands of people peacefully protesting the falsified election. With the playwright in hiding and afraid for his life, this play needs to be heard now!” Blair Cadden adds, “It’s rare in the theatre to have the chance to tell a story while it’s still unfolding, but thanks to this playwright’s talent and courage, we’re able to do just that. It’s an honor to be part of telling this story, and it’s incredibly exciting to put this virtual medium we’ve all been forced into to its best possible use—as a way to share an urgent, important story quickly and widely.”
Arlekin Players Theatre was created in Boston in 2009 and has since toured to New York, Chicago, and Hartford, as well as to international festivals in Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Monaco. It’s current international virtual tour of State vs Natasha Banina has received World-wide acclaim, including the New York Times Critics’ Pick. Arlekin has received multiple awards for its work including four 2020 Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association for its recent productions of The Stone and The Seagull. Alekin takes strong pride in their emphasis on self-identity; they are a company of immigrants performing works that play on the ideas of cross-culture, home, and traditions, challenging the idea of nationality, and finding common themes that unite us all. The company makes its home in Needham, MA. For more information, visit www.arlekinplayers.com.
Artistic Bios
Igor Golyak (Director, Arlekin Founding Artistic Director) received the 2020 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director for Arlekin’s The Stone and was also nominated in the same year for his direction of Arlekin’s The Seagull . He is an Associate Professor at the Boston Conservatory, and has spent over a decade teaching the art of theatre. He is the founder of the Igor Golyak Acting Studio and Artistic Director of Arlekin Players Theatre which has won numerous awards in the United States and internationally. Arlekin Players Theatre is a multicultural, multi-national collaborative that is growing year to year in the number of audience members, company actors, and volunteers. His theatre has been invited to perform on famous stages and at world-renowned festivals all over the world, including Moscow Art Theatre, and festivals in Yerevan, Armenia, New York City, Chicago, Lviv, Ukraine, Monaco, and many others.
Blair Cadden (Director) is a native of Charleston, SC, where she co-founded 5th Wall Productions, a small and scrappy theatre company with a focus on new work. She is currently pursuing her MFA in directing at Boston University. Some of her favorite productions include Spring Awakening (5th Wall Productions), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Flowertown Players), Polaroid Stories, and Time Stands Still (BU School of Theatre). Blair has previously collaborated with Arlekin Players as dramaturg for their 2019 production of The Seagull.
Andrei Kureichik (Playwright) is one of the top playwrights, screenwriters and producers in Belarus. Author of some 30 plays, he has 17 credits on IMDB as a screenwriter, 4 as a producer, 3 as a director. His plays have been performed at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre and Janka Kupala Theaters in Moscow and Minsk, as well as at numerous theatres throughout the former Soviet Union. Andrei wrote a much-read article about the events in Belarus two weeks ago for American Theater magazine. He is a member of the Coordinating Council of Belarus, whose members are called upon to lead the transition to a new government in Belarus. Many of the members are now in prison.
John Freedman (Translator) has written or edited and translated eleven books in the sphere of Russian drama and theater, including Silence’s Roar: The Life and Drama of Nikolai Erdman and Provoking Theater: Kama Ginkas Directs (co-authored with Ginkas), and his play Dancing, Not Dead won The Internationalists’ Global Playwright Contest in 2011. His Real and Phantom Pains: An Anthology of New Russian Drama is the largest collection of Russian plays ever published. He currently holds the position of Advisor to the Artistic Director at the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre in Moscow. He was the theater critic of The Moscow Times from the paper’s inception in 1992 until October 2015. He has been: a columnist for Plays International since 1994; the editor of the Russian Theater Archive for Harwood Academic Publishers (1992-2002); and has frequently contributed to the New York Times and other periodicals.
List of Participating Theatres
US
New York Theater Workshop, NY, Jim Nicola
St. Olaf College, Northfield MN, Marc Robinson
Acropolis Performance Lab, Seattle, Zhenya Lavy/Joseph Lavy
Minnesota State University, Mankato, Vladimir Rovinsky
Arlekin Players Theatre, Boston, Igor Golyak & Blair Cadden
Moscow Nights with Streamyard, New Orleans, LA, Natasha O. Ramer/Kathy Randels
Theatre First, SF, Jean Emery Johnstone
The Art Institute of Chicago, Ruth Margraff
Studio 6, NY/NC, Robert Olinger
Shrewd Productions, Austin, Chris Humphrey
Wilma Theater, Yury Urnov
Towson University, Dave White
Rogue Machine, Los Angeles, Rachel Brunner
Dept. Of Slavic Langs. And Lits., Harvard U, Cambridge, Jenya Mironava
SCOTLAND
Nicola McCartney, Scotland
IRELAND
Dublin Theatre Festival, Willie White
ENGLAND
ARTEL and Maketank, Exeter, Devon, Bryan Brown/Olya Petrakova
New Perspectives Theatre, Nottingham, Jack McNamara
Slung Low, Holbeck, Alan Lane, James Blakey, Joanna Resnick
The National Center for Writing, Norwich, William Galinsky/Eimear McBride
Insulted. Belarus(sia) – Staged Reading – at a glance
Artistic Director: Igor Golyak
Theatre Manager: Mark W. Soucy
Producer: Arlekin Players Theatre
Presented by: Arlekin Players Theatre and Cherry Orchard Fesitval
Play: Insulted. Belarus(sia)
Venue: ONLINE via ZOOM
Author: Andrei Kureichik
Translator: John Freedman
Directors: (Russian version) Igor Golyak and Blair Cadden (English version)
Cast: To Be Announced
Performance Schedule:
Sunday, October 18, 8:00pm (in Russian)
Sunday, October 25, 8:00pm (in Russian)
Sunday, November 8, 8:00pm (in English)
Ticket Prices: Free with Suggested Donation
Telephone: 617-942-0022
Online: arlekinplayers.com
Reserve your free tickets!

Вебинар - Зачем нам любить ближнего
2020-10-25 10:00 - 11:00
Если человек хочет достичь любви к кому-то — «Возлюби ближнего как самого себя», то он должен понять, что этот человек является его спутником на пути к чему-то высшему, совершенному, вечному. Тогда и этот человек будет для него высшим, вечным и совершенным, близким другом навсегда, как та цель, которой он достигает с его помощью и вместе с ним. Поэтому самое важное в любви – цель, которая обяжет к любви. Тогда любовь станет возможной, не доставит боли и не приведет к разочарованиям.
Какой же смысл кроется в любви к ближнему? Любить ближнего – значит присоединять к себе его желание и работать со своим желанием, чтобы наполнять его желание. Тогда оба мы спаиваемся в единое целое – только я наполняю, а он наполняется. Наполняется в чем? В своем желании. Его желание по отношению к моему. Вот в чем состоит моя работа.

State vs Natasha Banina International Digital Tour
2020-10-22 20:00 - 22:00
STATE VS NATASHA BANINA
International Digital Tour
October 22 – December 5, 2020

The future of online productions might be best represented so far by Arlekin Players Theatre’s State vs. Natasha Banina.”

– This Week in New York

Join us virtually for a celebrated one-woman show performed live on ZOOM from Boston’s award-winning Arlekin Players Theatre.

State vs. Natasha Banina — which began in May 2020 as a living room experiment and went on to be a New York Times Critic’s Pick — is set inside a “ZOOM courtroom.” In this interactive work of digital theater, the audience serves as the jury that will determine the fate of a teen accused of a crime of passion.

Darya Denisova (2020 Elliot Norton Award, Outstanding Actress) gives a “charismatically off-kilter performance” (The New York Times), delivering alluring testimony that draws viewers into Natasha’s world, illustrated by vivid animation and video design.

Is Natasha guilty? You, the jury, will decide.

Performance Schedule:
October 22, 2020 at 8:00PM
Co-presented by The Wilma Theatre, Philadelphia
October 29, 2020 at 8:00PM
Co-presented by ShowOne Productions, Canada
November 1, 2020 at 8:00 PM
Co-presented by ShowOne Productions, Canada
November 12, 2020 at 2:30PM
Co-presented by Voila! Europe, London
November 13, 2020 at 2:30PM
Co-presented by Voila! Europe, London
November 15, 2020 at 12:00pm
Co-presented by Voila! Europe, London
December, 3-5, 2020
Co-presented by Gesher Theater, Israel
Order tickets now

Soviet Jews 1941-45: Resistance and Victory (Part II) Presented in Russian
2020-10-20 19:30
Soviet Jews 1941-45: Resistance and Victory (Part II) Presented in Russian
This session will be presented in Russian and is dedicated to the most tragic events in the lives of the Soviet Jews of the 20th century – the Holocaust. Einsatzgruppen, local police, mass executions, life in the ghetto, and liquidation will unfold in front of our eyes. But, as importantly, we will talk about the struggle of the Jewish people for their lives and dignity.
Register

Windows to Israeli Society through Literature and Life
2020-10-18 11:00 - 12:00
LIMMUDBOSTON INVITES YOU

Rachel Korazim and Laura Mandel in Conversation:
Windows to Israeli Society through Literature and Life
Sunday, October 18 at 11 am
Zoom link provided upon registration

A maven of Israeli poetry and literature, and a delightfully engaging teacher, Rachel Korazim will be LimmudBoston’s special guest this year at its November 15th eFestival. Join us in October for a special preview, a chance to learn more about Rachel’s own story, and hear about her experiences teaching during the time of coronavirus.

Rachel will be in conversation with Laura Mandel, Executive Director of the Jewish Arts Collaborative.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Visit www.limmudboston.org to register.

Вебинар - Чего хочет моя душа
2020-10-18 09:00 - 10:00
Душа – это часть Творца свыше. То есть это такое наше желание, которое достигло состояния подобия Творцу – абсолютно бескорыстного, беззаветного свойства отдачи и любви. Оно существует вне тела человека, вне его эгоистического желания. Это приобретенная, но вечная составляющая нашего духовного «я».
Когда мы заменим все наши эгоистические желания на желание стать такими, как Творец, в отдаче и в любви к другим и через других к Нему, это и будет обретением нашей души.

Text and Violence in Jerusalem: Hebrew Graffiti on the Western Wall
2020-10-15 12:00 - 13:00
Yair Wallach is Senior Lecturer in Israeli Studies at SOAS, University of London, where he is also the head of the SOAS Centre for Jewish Studies. He is a cultural and social historian of modern Palestine/Israel, who has published articles in Hebrew, Arabic and English on urban and visual culture, and on Jewish-Arab relations. His book, A City in Fragments: Urban Text in Modern Jerusalem, which was published by Stanford University Press in 2020, looks at Arabic and Hebrew street texts (inscriptions, banners, graffiti and other media) in modern Jerusalem.
Dr. Wallach is currently (2020-2022) a Leverhulme Research Fellow, and his project “The Arab Ashkenazi” looks at Jewish Ashkenazi acculturation in the Arab Levant. Wallach has also published articles in Haaretz, the Guardian, and other media.
Register

Вебинар - Я и моя душа
2020-10-11 09:00 - 10:00
Согласно биологической классификации человек относится к царству животных. Но в отличие от животных у нас есть также духовная составляющая – это то, как мы связываемся друг с другом. В духовном пространстве учитывается только связь между нами.
Эта связь разбита – но она принадлежит духовному. Поэтому мы можем устроить себе хорошую животную жизнь, но это не относится к духовному. Духовное начинается с выяснения связи между нами.
И не просто любой связи – а связи с целью раскрыть Творца. Я хочу раскрыть Творца и поэтому выясняю, что нуждаюсь в других людях, ведь от любви к ближнему приходят к любви к Творцу. Только для этого Творец разбил наши души.

Soviet Jews 1941-45: History of Tragedy and Struggle (Part I) Presented in Russian
2020-10-06 19:30 - 20:30
Soviet Jews 1941-45: History of Tragedy and Struggle (Part I) Presented in Russian
This session will be presented in Russian and is dedicated to the most tragic events in the lives of the Soviet Jews of the 20th century – the Holocaust. Einsatzgruppen, local police, mass executions, life in the ghetto, and liquidation will unfold in front of our eyes. But, as importantly, we will talk about the struggle of the Jewish people for their lives and dignity.
Register

Outdoor Wine Seminar
2020-10-04 14:00 - 16:30
Private Garden in Lincoln, MA (exact address provided to ticketholders)
Sunday, October 4, 2020, 2 – 4:30pm
Gaumarjos! is the Georgian word for ‘Cheers!’ (it literally means ‘Victory to you’). Join us for a unique outdoor wine experience where you will taste five wines and learn about some of the Republic of Georgia’s distinctive grape varietals, wine-making techniques, 8000-years of viticulture, and how to toast like a Georgian. Details & tickets at GAUMARJOS.eventbrite.com
To ensure everyone’s safety, we have a new wine tasting format. All attendees will be seated outdoors at pre-set stations, and wine will be pre-poured, allowing for the safe removal of masks once the seminar begins. Seating is VERY limited and Tickets are $50. Buy yours today>
The event takes place in the verdant grounds of a beautiful private property in Lincoln, MA. Complete address details will be provided to confirmed guests after your ticket purchase.
2 pm Doors Open. Guests check in, find seats, explore outdoor grounds. Masks required.
2:30 pm Tasting/seminar begins. Masks can be removed while seated
3:30 pm End of formal presentation. Guests can continue to socialize and picnic while observing social distancing guidelines.
FOOD IS NOT PROVIDED AS PART OF THE TICKET PRICE. Please make sure to bring your own picnic. We will email suggestions of appropriate pairings to registered attendees closer to the event. Please carefully read all NotaBenes on Eventbrite>.
The alternate date for the tasting, in case of inclement weather on October 4th, is October 11th. This event is a fundraiser for BRAI’s ongoing virtual and in-person arts programming.

KOSTA CHERNIKOV, co-founder of the wine importer and distributor GEORGIAN TOAST will lead the seminar, with a little help from BRAI’s resident oenophile Anna Winestein. Georgian Toast is based in Massachusetts and focused exclusively on Georgian wine and viticulture. Its portfolio of wines ranges from modern stainless steel production and oak-barrel-aged European-style wines, to amber wines made in qvevris (traditional Georgian acorn-shaped clay vessels, represented in the Georgian Toast logo seen here). Georgian Toast imports a variety of cuvées by boutique, organic and artisan wineries as well larger producers. Part of its mission is to educate consumers and industry professionals about the unique characteristics and history of Georgian wine.

Вебинар - Учимся общаться тепло и сердечно
2020-10-04 09:00 - 10:00
Процесс общения с товарищами налаживает крепкие связи, решает конфликтные ситуации. Способствует открытости диалога, смене мотивации с внешней на внутреннюю, когда человек уже сам осознает, почему он должен это делать. Люди работают с корнем проблемы – со своим эгоизмом, а не просто с внешними проблемами.
Метод круга не только эффективен для общения, принятия решений, разрешения конфликтов, но и является основой для создания общества будущего.

From Russia with Art holiday exhibit
2020-10-01 11:00 - 2020-12-30 17:00
“From Russia with Art” Holiday Exhibit at the Picture Place
320A Harvard St., Brookline, MA
617-277-4357
(Open Tue-Fri from 11–5 PM and Saturday from 11–4 PM)
On view from October 1 – December 30
Oil paintings, mixed media and etchings by foremost Russian-American artists are on display and for Holiday sale! The exhibition is curated by Olesya and Jerry Koenig (fromrussiawithart.org, 857-756-8185) and Tom Coppi (pictureplacebrookline.com). During the visit masks and social distancing are required.

The following artists will be featured at the 11 Th Annual From Russia With Art Holiday exhibit:
Anatoly Dverin , OPA
Alexander Korman
Misha Lenn
Stanislav Nikireev
Alexander Vetrov
Irena Makoveeva
George Lapchinsky.

Курс Введение в Каббалу
2020-09-30
Курс дает представление о происхождении и развитии мира, причине и цели существования человека. На нем вы получите знания об основах мироздания, научитесь правильно ориентироваться в жизни, получите практику общения с людьми. Как изменить свою жизнь, но без мистики и ритуалов? На этот вопрос вы тоже найдете ответ во время занятий.
Начало Курса 30 сентября 2020.
Запись лекции о материалах и методах курса:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eksNg3Fxebc

Slavonic Festival “Pokrov”
2020-09-27 - 2020-10-17
Фестиваль “Покров” приглашает принять участие в уникальных конкурсах и мастер-классах, побывать на виртуальной ярмарке, отведать наших неповторимых яств!
Заглядывайте на страничку фестиваля facebook.com/pokrov.nh Новые публикации каждый день!

INSULTED. BELARUS(SIA)
2020-09-21 20:00 - 21:00, 2020-09-17 20:00 - 21:00
ARLEKIN PLAYERS THEATRE and CHERRY ORCHARD FESTIVAL PRESENT
INSULTED. BELARUS(SIA)
A READING OF THE NEW PLAY BY BELARUSIAN PLAYWRIGHT ANDREI KUREICHIK
September 17 and 20, 2020
Needham, MA – Arlekin Players Theatre, and its presenting partner Cherry Orchard Festival in NY, will present two virtual readings of Insulted. Belarus(sia), a new play by Andrei Kureichik, with English translation by John Freedman. The play will be presented in Russian on Thursday, September 17 at 8:00 pm (Directed by Igor Golyak), and in English on Monday, September 21 at 8:00 pm (Directed by Blair Cadden). Both readings will offer a post-show discussion with the playwright, who is currently in hiding from Berlarus authorities.
The readings will take place online via the Zoom platform. Tickets are FREE, but must be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve a Zoom spot, visit arlekinplayers.com or call (617) 942-0022.
The readings are happening World-wide through a number of organizations – see full list below. ““I am thrilled that Igor Golyak and Arlekin Players will be the first of over 20 companies in five countries to present “Insulted. Belarus(sia),” a brilliant and important new play, to the public,” says Translator John Freedman. “Written by Belarus’s top playwright as the revolution was happening all around him, it is filled with drama, pain, and hope.”
Andrei Kureichik is a well-known Belarusian playwright and a member of the Coordination Council of Belarus—a group working to lead the transition to a new government and institute free elections in the wake of the falsified election that took place this August and the massive, ongoing protests that followed. Many members of this group are now in prison. Others have been forced into hiding or out of the country. Less than a week ago, while in hiding, Kureichik sent the text of his just-finished play to his translator with a request to quickly arrange readings so that others could know what they were experiencing. Within a week, over twenty theaters have signed on to present readings, and that number continues to grow.
The play tells the story of the first month of the Belarusian revolution, its ups and downs on the eve of the inevitable democratization of the country after 26 years of dictatorship. All characters have real prototypes; in some you will recognize former and current leaders of the country, in others – incredible Belarusians who have gone out to battle the totalitarian machine, sometimes at the cost of their lives, their freedom, and their loved ones. They represent polar points of view in the awakened Belarusian society. The author seeks to understand how the Belarusian revolution differs from Prague in 1968, Russia in 1991 and Ukraine in 2014. He tells of the tragic escalation of violence and repression employed by the authorities to repress freedom-seeking Belarusians with bayonets and clubs, and how solidarity, truth and faith in human values inevitably lead to victory over evil.
Arlekin Players’ Artistic Director Igor Golyak says, “It’s quite gruesome and unbelievable what is currently happening in Balarus. People are being tortured, found in forests, randomly picked up by men with no identifiers as a reaction to hundreds of thousands of people peacefully protesting the falsified election. With the playwright in hiding and afraid for his life, this play needs to be heard now!” Blair Cadden adds, “It’s rare in the theatre to have the chance to tell a story while it’s still unfolding, but thanks to this playwright’s talent and courage, we’re able to do just that. It’s an honor to be part of telling this story, and it’s incredibly exciting to put this virtual medium we’ve all been forced into to its best possible use—as a way to share an urgent, important story quickly and widely.”
Arlekin Players Theatre was created in Boston in 2009 and has since toured to New York, Chicago, and Hartford, as well as to international festivals in Russia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Monaco. It’s current international virtual tour of State vs Natasha Banina has received World-wide acclaim, including the New York Times Critics’ Pick. Arlekin has received multiple awards for its work including four 2020 Elliot Norton Awards from the Boston Theater Critics Association for its recent productions of The Stone and The Seagull. Alekin takes strong pride in their emphasis on self-identity; they are a company of immigrants performing works that play on the ideas of cross-culture, home, and traditions, challenging the idea of nationality, and finding common themes that unite us all. The company makes its home in Needham, MA. For more information, visit www.arlekinplayers.com.
Artistic Bios
Igor Golyak (Director, Arlekin Founding Artistic Director) received the 2020 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Director for Arlekin’s The Stone and was also nominated in the same year for his direction of Arlekin’s The Seagull . He is an Associate Professor at the Boston Conservatory, and has spent over a decade teaching the art of theatre. He is the founder of the Igor Golyak Acting Studio and Artistic Director of Arlekin Players Theatre which has won numerous awards in the United States and internationally. Arlekin Players Theatre is a multicultural, multi-national collaborative that is growing year to year in the number of audience members, company actors, and volunteers. His theatre has been invited to perform on famous stages and at world-renowned festivals all over the world, including Moscow Art Theatre, and festivals in Yerevan, Armenia, New York City, Chicago, Lviv, Ukraine, Monaco, and many others.
Blair Cadden (Director) is a native of Charleston, SC, where she co-founded 5th Wall Productions, a small and scrappy theatre company with a focus on new work. She is currently pursuing her MFA in directing at Boston University. Some of her favorite productions include Spring Awakening (5th Wall Productions), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (Flowertown Players), Polaroid Stories, and Time Stands Still (BU School of Theatre). Blair has previously collaborated with Arlekin Players as dramaturg for their 2019 production of The Seagull.
Andrei Kureichik (Playwright) is one of the top playwrights, screenwriters and producers in Belarus. Author of some 30 plays, he has 17 credits on IMDB as a screenwriter, 4 as a producer, 3 as a director. His plays have been performed at the prestigious Moscow Art Theatre and Janka Kupala Theaters in Moscow and Minsk, as well as at numerous theatres throughout the former Soviet Union. Andrei wrote a much-read article about the events in Belarus two weeks ago for American Theater magazine. He is a member of the Coordinating Council of Belarus, whose members are called upon to lead the transition to a new government in Belarus. Many of the members are now in prison.
John Freedman (Translator) has written or edited and translated eleven books in the sphere of Russian drama and theater, including Silence’s Roar: The Life and Drama of Nikolai Erdman and Provoking Theater: Kama Ginkas Directs (co-authored with Ginkas), and his play Dancing, Not Dead won The Internationalists’ Global Playwright Contest in 2011. His Real and Phantom Pains: An Anthology of New Russian Drama is the largest collection of Russian plays ever published. He currently holds the position of Advisor to the Artistic Director at the Stanislavsky Electrotheatre in Moscow. He was the theater critic of The Moscow Times from the paper’s inception in 1992 until October 2015. He has been: a columnist for Plays International since 1994; the editor of the Russian Theater Archive for Harwood Academic Publishers (1992-2002); and has frequently contributed to the New York Times and other periodicals.
List of Participating Theatres
US
New York Theater Workshop, NY, Jim Nicola
St. Olaf College, Northfield MN, Marc Robinson
Acropolis Performance Lab, Seattle, Zhenya Lavy/Joseph Lavy
Minnesota State University, Mankato, Vladimir Rovinsky
Arlekin Players Theatre, Boston, Igor Golyak & Blair Cadden
Moscow Nights with Streamyard, New Orleans, LA, Natasha O. Ramer/Kathy Randels
Theatre First, SF, Jean Emery Johnstone
The Art Institute of Chicago, Ruth Margraff
Studio 6, NY/NC, Robert Olinger
Shrewd Productions, Austin, Chris Humphrey
Wilma Theater, Yury Urnov
Towson University, Dave White
Rogue Machine, Los Angeles, Rachel Brunner
Dept. Of Slavic Langs. And Lits., Harvard U, Cambridge, Jenya Mironava
SCOTLAND
Nicola McCartney, Scotland
IRELAND
Dublin Theatre Festival, Willie White
ENGLAND
ARTEL and Maketank, Exeter, Devon, Bryan Brown/Olya Petrakova
New Perspectives Theatre, Nottingham, Jack McNamara
Slung Low, Holbeck, Alan Lane, James Blakey, Joanna Resnick
The National Center for Writing, Norwich, William Galinsky/Eimear McBride
Insulted. Belarus(sia) – Staged Reading – at a glance
Artistic Director: Igor Golyak
Theatre Manager: Mark W. Soucy
Producer: Arlekin Players Theatre
Presented by: Arlekin Players Theatre and Cherry Orchard Fesitval
Play: Insulted. Belarus(sia)
Venue: ONLINE via ZOOM
Author: Andrei Kureichik
Translator: John Freedman
Directors: (Russian version) Igor Golyak and Blair Cadden (English version)
Cast: To Be Announced
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, September 17, 8:00pm (in Russian)
Monday, September 21, 8:00pm (in English)
Ticket Prices: Free with Suggested Donation
Telephone: 617-942-0022
Online: arlekinplayers.com

High Holidays 2020
2020-09-18 18:00 - 2020-09-20 20:00
Dear Friends,
Center Makor wishes you a happy and healthy New 5781 Year and invites you to join online services at Congregation Kehillath Israel, Rabbi William Hamilton, Congregation Mishkan Tefila, Rabbi Marcia Plumb for Rosh Hashanah, and all High Holidays Season services.
The services will be conducted of ZOOM.
Links and full schedule are available at congki.org/high-holy-days-2020
Please support/donate Congregation Kehillath Israel at congki.org or Congregation Mishkan Tefila at mishkantefila.org.

International Rosh HaShanah Extravaganza 5781
2020-09-17 19:30
For the first time ever
Center Makor Presents
International
ROSH HASHANAH EXTRAVAGANZA
5781
Join us live on YouTube/Center Makor
Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 PM

Alla Rid, Singer, Moscow
Vadim Eilenkrig, Trumpet, Moscow
Borislav Strulev, Cello, New York
Yaacov Mayman, Saxophone, New York
Roman Viktuk, Theatrical Director, Moscow
NUTSA, Singer, New York
Vladimir Foygelman, Choreographer, Boston
Georgy Melsky, People’s Actor of Ukraine, New York
Leonid Ptashka, Jazz Pianist, Israel
Lea Kalisch, Actress/Singer, Switzerland
And others…
Read more

Dear Friend and Supporter,
The importance of strengthening Jewish Culture is stronger than it ever has been.
We celebrate International Extravaganza Rosh Hashanah 5781 to commemorate those who have the highest dedication to Jewish Culture. All artists are under big pressure during these days. As there are no concerts or events, there are no opportunities to perform in front of a live audience.
International Extravaganza Rosh Hashanah 5781 is a fundraiser that raises awareness of Jewish performers in light of the situation caused by Covid-19.
Center Makor guarantees that each dollar raised will benefit this noble cause.
Center Makor will organize online concerts for Jewish performers and pay through donations generated. We will not use donations generated through this event for other purposes.
Center Makor is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to Jewish education and culture.
By giving to this fundraiser you are supporting struggling Jewish artists to further their work. You are helping live people and supporting the continuation of the Jewish culture during these difficult times.
Thank you very much for your kindness, generous heart, and love for the Jewish Culture.
When a person is in a synagogue finishing Torah reading or another good deed within their community he is reminded:
הִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה’ אֱלֹהינוּ וֵאלֵֹהי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁתְּחַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְתוּקָה כַּדְּבָשׁ
Yehi ratzon milfanecha Adonai eloheinu v’elohei avoteinu, she’t’chadesh aleinu shanah tovah u’metukah ka’devash.

May it be Your will, God, and the God of our ancestors, that You renew for us a year good and sweet like honey.

Please support our Jewish performers by donating over PayPal – send to info@centermakor.org or use paypal.me/centermakor – or Zelle at 617-771-4870. You can also donate over Eventbrite – www.eventbrite.com/e/international-rosh-hashanah-extravaganza-5781-tickets-119770509819
Those who provide generous support before the show, will receive an invitation to join us on ZOOM live during the show.
Suggested donation – $18.

Our sponsors and supporters: Main sponsor Limmud FSU Labs; LimmudBoston, JCRC, World Zionist Organization, Ofek Israeli, RJCF, Well Given, At Home Senior Care, Inc., Petropol, Key Digital, Bazar Supermarkets, Newton Auto Driving School, Olga Lisovskaya Productions, Community Audio Video Studio, Sunshine Janitorial Services, Inc.

Performers
Leonid Ptashka (Hebrew: לאוניד פטשקה‎, Russian: Леонид Пташка; born 3 May 1964) is an Israeli jazz pianist and composer. Lives in Ashdod, Israel. One of the most famous Russian-speaking Israeli musicians who popularized jazz in Israel in the 1990s – early 2000s. Included in the list of the 100 best jazz musicians of the XX century by the American Biographical Institute. Because of his emotional manner of performance and improvisation workshops he has been nicknamed “the destroyer of the piano”, in addition to playing drums and melodion.

Alla Reed is a Russian jazz singer, a producer, the finalist of the TV show Golos 4, Montreux Jazz Festival laureate and the founder of Alla Reed & The Band. Alla works with ethnic music connecting jazz and Jewish music. In her singing repertoire, there are songs in English, Russian, Hebrew, Yiddish and French. She is known for her unique luxury contralto voice as well as for her glamorous image. Alla collaborates with many Russian and international jazz musicians and gives concerts around the globe.

Vadim Eilenkrig is Russian Jewish number 1 jazz trumpeter, a popular TV host and a famous powerlifter! A graduate of Maimonides State Academy in Moscow, for ten years Vadim was the lead trumpet of one of the best world’s jazz orchestras – Igor Butman’s Big Band. His first solo album, The Shadow of Your Smile, recorded with ex-Brecker Brothers members and produced in 2009 by Igor Butman, became one of the country’s best selling albums. The album became a springboard for Vadim’s solo career. He launched a number of projects such as duets with outstanding pianists Anton Baronin and Daniel Kramer, a show with a TV and radio host and singer Timur Rodriguez, and the Vadim Eilenkrig Quintet.

Russian-American cellist Borislav Strulev quickly gained a reputation as a musician of exceptional temperament, charismatic personality and virtuoso technique. The great American pianist Byron Janis said of Borislav Strulev: “He plays as if he were to the cello born. His sound, phrasing, coloring and technique already place him in position to follow the Russian tradition of cello playing. Watch this young man, and more importantly, listen to him.”

Yaacov Yon Mayman, a Grammy nominated saxophone player, composer and artistic director has been indulging audiences nationally and internationally in his fascinating performances with powerful, warm sound, dazzling virtuosity, daring interaction and outstanding musicality. Yaacov has over 30 years of experience in the music industry, especially Jazz. Yaacov has performed and/or recorded with such Jazz greats as Latin-Jazz Bobby Sanabria “Multiverse Afro Latin Big Band”, saxophonist – Benny Golson, Joe Lovano, Bill Evans, drums – Al Foster, Dave Weckl, Lenny White, trumpeters – Randy Brecker, Alex Sipiagin, Valery Ponamarev, Joey Morant, Gunhild Carling, guitarist – Mike Stern, bass – Rufus Red, Avishai Cohen. Yaacov has performed in the most prestigious venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy Club Coca Cola, Red Sea Jazz Festival, Super Jazz Ashdod Festival, NY Latin Jazz Festival, “Made in NY Jazz Festival” and many more.

3GNY Stories Live: WEDU Wednesdays Featuring Guest Speaker Elyse Wolff
2020-09-16 20:00 - 21:00
3GNY Stories Live: WEDU Wednesdays
Featuring Guest Speaker Elyse Wolff
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 | 8:00 pm ET | Virtual Event on Zoom
Elyse will share her grandmother’s amazing story of survival, including escaping death at Auschwitz more than once. Elyse’s grandmother, Yolan (Moldovan) Lichtman, was the 10th of 11 children and lived in the rural farming village of Satu Mare, Romania, on the border with Hungary. More than half of Yolan’s family died during the Holocaust, but Elyse’s grandmother and one of her sisters managed to stay together the entire time and after liberation they returned to their village where Elyse’s grandmother incredibly reunited with her husband (Elyse’s grandfather).
Elyse’s grandmother did not speak in detail about her experience until Elyse was old enough to ask about it. Her grandmother publicly told her full story only once, to Elyse’s 8th grade class during their study of the Holocaust, prior to passing away one year later.

Elyse Wolff
Elyse is the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors. Her mother’s father and mother both survived the war. Knowing that she is a descendant of survivors has greatly impacted Elyse’s life.
In addition to continually studying the Holocaust, Elyse has served as an appointed commissioner to the New Jersey State Commission on Holocaust Education since 2017. The Commission’s core mission is to promote Holocaust education in New Jersey and assist educators with various aspects of meeting the New Jersey state mandate to provide Holocaust and genocide education to all students. Elyse is one of the three co-founders of 3GNJ, a NJ-based group of grandchildren of survivors who are passionate about ensuring that their family members’ stories of survival are not lost or forgotten. 3GNJ has partnered with 3GNY for various events.
Elyse holds a BS from the University of Maryland and a JD from Rutgers University for law school. She is currently an assistant general counsel at Catalent Pharma Solutions in Somerset, New Jersey.
She married her husband Keith Wolff in 2007 and they have 2 daughters, Dara, age 9, and Hailey, age 5, and reside in Martinsville, New Jersey.
Register

The Jews are Coming to Brandeis: A Conversation with the Creators of Israel's Hit Satire Series “Ha-Yehudim Baim”
2020-09-14 12:00 - 13:00
The cast of The Jews are Coming (Ha-Yehudim Baim) the Israeli Academy Award-winning sketch comedy series.
The Jews are Coming (Ha-Yehudim Baim) is an Israeli Academy Award-winning satire now in its fourth season, airing on Kan 11, one of the official channels of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. The sketch comedy covers the history of the Jewish people from biblical times to the present, from Moses to Barbie and everything in between. Join our associate director Dr. Shayna Weiss for a lively conversation with the show’s creators, Natalie Marcus and Asaf Beiser. The conversation will also feature clips from the new season, never before translated for an English-speaking audience!
Speakers:

Asaf Beiser is based in Tel Aviv and has been a writer and showrunner in Israel’s highest rated, comedy, satire and drama shows for over 15 years. He is the co-creator and head writer of the award-winning sketch show The Jews are Coming. Asaf was a writer for Fauda, The Good Cop, Eretz Nehederet (The Israeli version of Saturday Night Live), and many more award-winning programs for Israeli television.
Natalie Marcus is a highly acclaimed, award-winning, screenwriter and director based in Tel Aviv. For the past 10 years, Marcus has been a writer and showrunner in Israel’s highest rated, comedy, satire, and drama series. Marcus is the creator and showrunner of the acclaimed historically themed sketch show The Jews are Coming. Marcus teaches comedy writing and lectures about writing and Jewish history all around the world, and lives in Tel Aviv with her husband and two kids.

in conversation with:

Shayna Weiss, Associate Director, Schusterman Center for Israel Studies, Brandeis University

Q&A Moderator:

Alexander Kaye, Karl, Harry, and Helen Stoll Assistant Professor of Israel Studies, Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University

Reserve Your Spot!

Вебинар - Учимся общаться тепло и сердечно
2020-09-13 09:00 - 10:00
Мы должны четко понимать, как надо относиться друг к другу. Утверждение, что в споре рождается истина, ‒ абсолютно неверно. Как в споре может рождаться истина, если все эгоисты, все думают неправильно.
Никаких споров быть не может, потому что истина должна прийти к нам со следующего уровня познания – не нашего! Нам нечего в себе искать. Мы должны только собрать себя так, чтобы вызвать на себя высшее свечение, высший свет. И тогда у нас все получится.

9/11 Rally in Remembrance of the First Responders Fallen on that Fateful Day of 2001
2020-09-11 11:00
Dear friends,

You are invited to attend Rally in remembrance of the first responders fallen on that fateful day of 2001 09 11.

We want to remember the fallen heroes and reiterate our support to our law enforcement officers at present moment when they are under attack.

9-11-2020, 11 am , in front of MA State House 2 4 Beacon St, Boston, MA

Вебинар - Учимся общаться тепло и сердечно
2020-09-06 09:00 - 10:00
Сегодня человек чувствует себя очень одиноко в этом огромном мире. Ведь нас не учат, как устанавливать правильные связи, не воспитывают для жизни в глобальном и интегральном мире. Наоборот, мы все ополчаемся один на другого, и в личных отношениях, и целые народы, и государства.
И от этого все страдают. Мы не строим такого общества, которое дало бы каждому ощущение тепла, уверенности, поддержки. А без этого человек чувствует себя как в вакууме и даже еще хуже, во враждебном ему окружении.
В конце концов, надо разобраться, для чего мы живем, кто мы такие, зачем мы так ведем себя, можем ли мы по-другому относиться друг к другу?
Давайте подумаем, как построить такое общество, которое соответствует всей Вселенной. Только от этого зависит наше доброе будущее.

3GNY Stories Live: WEDU Wednesdays Featuring Guest Speaker Alexis Fishman
2020-09-02 20:00 - 21:00
3GNY Stories Live: WEDU Wednesdays
Featuring Guest Speaker Alexis Fishman
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 | 8:00 pm ET | Virtual Event on Zoom
Alexis is the grandchild of four Holocaust survivors from Hungary and Czechoslovakia. Berzi, her paternal grandmother, often repeated the following: “Even if you spent just 30 minutes in Auschwitz and then went back to living a life of total luxury, you would never, ever forget.”
Alexis never knew her grandfathers. Her maternal grandmother died when she was 10. So it was Berzi and her sisters’ experience (5 out of 6 of whom survived Auschwitz) that had the greatest impact. Alexis is honored to share pieces from all four of her grandparents’ wartime experiences, as well as the effect their legacy has had on her life and career.
Alexis Fishman
Born in Sydney, Australia, Alexis is the grandchild of four Holocaust survivors. She has lived in New York since 2008. Shortly thereafter, she discovered 3GNY and was a proud member of the board and co-chair of the education committee from 2015-2019.
Alexis is an actor and singer. She is recognized as one of Australia’s leading ladies of musical theatre, performing there in major musicals and earning a Helpmann nomination (Australia’s Tony Award). Since moving to New York she has continued to perform extensively off-Broadway and has also made a splash in cabaret — writing and producing six solo shows since 2014 that have earned critical acclaim and toured both the United States and Australia. Alexis is also a producer at Moira Blumenthal Productions, Australia’s premier Jewish theatre company and a Jewish educator for Lab/Shul, based in New York.
Register

Virtual Musical Café, Italian Style
2020-08-30 17:00 - 19:00
FREE (donations appreciated) on Facebook LIVE and on ZOOM
Info and Links: www.OlgaLisovskaya.com
(857) 919-4832
One of the most popular events of the annual Newton Arts Festival, Musical Café is in its third year. Every time it’s a different theme – from Hollywood Style, to Broadway Style to Italian Style this year. Over 40 artists – singers, dancers, fashion models, designers, photographers, videographers and audio engineers put a lot of love and work into bringing the show to the audience. During these unprecedented times, when we cannot be together, this event is bringing us closer to each other. Thanks to its virtual nature, critically-acclaimed artists from the Boston area will be joined by guest artists from all over the world, culminating in the final song, performed by 16 artists from 9 countries. The repertoire is a tribute to the Italian culture, spanning several centuries and featuring the most popular and beautiful melodies of all time – from opera, to Neapolitan song, to Bocelli, Sinatra, Modugno, Cutugno, and others.
We welcome the audience on ZOOM to interact with the artists “live”, and participate in a photo contest.
Winners will be announced “live” during the show and will receive prizes!
Presenting Sponsor – The Village Bank. Main Sponsors – St. Mary of Carmen Society and Center Makor. This event is made possible in part by the Newton Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Watch the preview!

Since it’s an online event, the access will be free, but we do appreciate donations. As you know, the artists have been affected profoundly by the pandemic. And, performing is not only their way of expressing their talents, but also to earn their living. Here is the donation link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/musical-cafe-italian-style-tickets-112333799418

Вебинар - Работа человека и работа Творца
2020-08-30 09:00 - 10:00
В чём отличие усилий в физическом мире и мире духовном?
Допустим, мне хочется лежать, а я встаю и иду на работу. Если я все-таки встаю и иду – значит я превозмог свое желание понежиться на диване и решил, что мне лучше пойти и добыть деньги. Хоть и через силу, но все равно, это является моим желанием. Иными словами, если в результате любых воздействий на человека, стыдя, укоряя, причиняя ему страдания, можно изменить его желания и заставить выполнить определенный вид деятельности, то это называется работой нашего мира. В итоге он пожелает ее сделать, чтобы избежать страданий.
Духовная же работа невыполнима по определению. Человек изначально не может произвести ее сам, потому что вместо него эту работу делает высший свет или Творец. Потому она и называется работой Творца.
В чём же заключается работа в духовном? Где та грань, за которой начинается работа Творца?
Выясним этот вопрос вместе на вебинаре.

Black Ribbon Day
2020-08-23 12:00 - 17:00
COME TO THE RALLY – AUGUST 23RD, 12 PM, BOSTON COMMON IN FRONT OF THE STATE HOUSE, NEXT TO THE CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
Black Ribbon Day, observed each August 23 rd , is the international remembrance day for victims of totalitarian regimes, specifically communism and fascism.
On August 23 rd, 1939 two totalitarian states – Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union – concluded a notorious Non-Aggression pact, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This agreement propelled the tragedy of the Second World War and its consequences of the Holocaust, concentration camps, gulags and spread of communism over the globe. This tragic date has been remembered across the globe for decades. It was made an official Day of Remembrance in 2008 by the European Parliament and adopted by US and Canada.
We must learn from our past and remember those millions of lives destroyed under Communism and Nazism, so that we can treasure our freedom and never again allow for any rebirth of totalitarian systems. Totalitarian regimes always start the same way – free speech violations, media censorship, destruction of historic monuments, intimidation of political opponents – and always end in abolition of democracy and massive loss of human life. No totalitarian regime declares these goals at its outset. In fact, many of its early advocates often enter the movement with “noble” goals lured by seductive slogans and claims of equality and liberation. That’s why the general public needs to be reminded what the inevitable end result is.
As refugees of Communist countries, we know firsthand the dangers of authoritarianism. We’ve seen how easily people can grow comfortable with surrendering their most basic rights. On this day, we want to warn our fellow Americans of the dangers of Communism.
Our peaceful rally will take place in Boston Common, across the road form the State House, on Sunday, August 23rd at 12 pm.
Speakers will include representatives of different immigrant groups sharing their experiences of life under Communism and other totalitarian regimes.
If you want to speak at the rally, you are very welcome. Please let us know and we’ll include you in the program.
Masks will be required and social distancing observed Emoji. The outdoors demonstrations of political expressions are legally exempt from Gov. Baker’s order for limitations on public gatherings.
Please spread the word.
antitotalitarianrally@gmail.com

Вебинар - Что в жизни зависит от Высшей силы, а что от меня
2020-08-23 09:00 - 10:00
Что в жизни зависит от Высшей силы, а что от меня?
Программа мероприятия:

Вебинар
Ответы на вопросы
МАК ТВ (самое интересное за неделю)
Семинар
Советы недели
