Following the break-out success of “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish, The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF) will present “When Blood Ran Red,” a new, award-winning work that chronicles the darkest era in the Soviet Union, when former wartime heroes of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee were persecuted as enemies of the state for daring to report on the truth of the Holocaust in the German-occupied East. It will be performed on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. Tickets are $25, available online.
The performance is part of NYTF’s season of “Spiritual Resistance,” which features artistic and theatrical works that explore themes of struggle against oppression. The programming provides artistic expression concurrent with the exhibition “Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away.” being presented at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
“When Blood Ran Red,” written by Montreal-based playwright Ben Gonshor, is a historical drama inspired by true events. It will star Heidi Armbruster (“Time Stands Still” on Broadway, “Disgraced” at Lincoln Center); William Broderick (“Family Dinner,” “Plane Crazy”); Samuel Druhora (“Ragtime” – Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival); Georgi James (“Annie,” “Billy Elliot” on Broadway); Tyler Kent (“Yiddish King Lear,” “A Marriage Contract” – Metropolitan Playhouse); Zal Owen (“The Band’s Visit” on Broadway; “Fiddler on the Roof” – national tour); Bruce Sabath (NYTF’s award-winning “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish, “Company” on Broadway); Stephen Barker Turner (“Bernhardt/Hamlet” on Broadway, “Benefactors” – Off-Broadway); and Charles E. Wallace (“Amazing Grace,” “Miss Saigon” on Broadway). It is directed by Kenneth Ferrone (“Spongebob Squarepants” on Broadway, “Cruel Intentions” National Tour).
“When Blood Ran Red” gives an account of the friendships between African-American actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson and leading Soviet Jews after World War II, during the brutal reign of Josef Stalin. The driving point of the action deals with the removal of the Russian Yiddish theatre and purge of Yiddish and Jewish culture and life in the Stalin era.
Following a chain of events set off with the assassination of Solomon Mikhoels, the head of the Moscow State Jewish Theater and Chairman of the Jewish Anti-Fascist Committee, the play follows Robeson as he journeys to Russia, deemed an enemy of the state by the McCarthy-era “House Committee on Un-American Activities.” Having befriended leaders of the Soviet Jewish Movement, Robeson finds himself at the center of a genocidal KGB conspiracy. The story weaves together a tale of suspense, mystery and intrigue—where truth is relative, loyalties are questioned at every turn, and justice is only achieved by paying the ultimate sacrifice.
Written in 2015, “When Blood Ran Red” won NYTF’s inaugural David and Clare Rosen Memorial Play-Writing Contest. The play will be directed by acclaimed director and producer Kenneth Ferrone. It will be performed entirely in English.
“We are thrilled to bring Ben Gonshor’s award-winning play to the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, where the play had its roots,” said NYTF Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek. “Bringing new, highly resonant work to audiences is an important part of our mission. ‘When Blood Ran Red’ is a potent meditation on various kinds of power. Its themes dovetail perfectly with the exhibition “Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away.” at the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. The play depicts deep-rooted traditions that Stalin suppressed because of their subversive, uplifting spiritual power—a force that was truly threatening to the totalitarian and spirit-crushing power of the Soviet government.”
“Set in a time of paranoia and purges, this play captures what is at stake when principled individuals take a stand against exceedingly powerful and malicious forces,” said NYTF Associate Artistic Director Motl Didner. “It is indeed fitting that we include ‘When Blood Ran Red’ in our season of ‘Spiritual Resistance,’ as we honor the strength and dignity of the human spirit in the face of oppression.”
The creative team that will bring the work to life includes Lisa Zinni, Costume Designer; Zachary Heffner, Lighting Designer; Daniel Imaña, Sound Designer and Stephanie Gonzalez, Props Master.
Jamibeth Margolis, CSA is Casting Director/ General Manager. The Production Stage Manager is Sean Francis Patrick, AEA and Tori Pierce is Assistant Stage Manager.
The National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” in Yiddish sold out for six months before moving to an off-Broadway theater uptown. It has won an Outer Critics Circle Award and a NY Drama Critics’ Circle Award special citation and has been nominated for Lucille Lortel Awards, Drama League Awards, Drama Desk Awards, a Chita Rivera Award, and an Off-Broadway Alliance Award.
