We ask YOU to join with us and uplift voices and narratives that challenge antisemitism, foster a creative space for other identities, bring together Jewish culture with Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, those with disabilities, Christian, Muslim and more.
ShPIeL - Performing Identity Theatre is a project based in Kentucky, partially funded by Jewish Heritage Fund, using theatre and performance to focus on Jewish and intersectional identities. We develop, produce, perform, and educate, for a world in need of stories that promote understanding, healing, social justice, love and beauty.
“Jewish stories have incredible resonance because they explore ideas that are universally identifiable....what it feels like to be the underdog, the outsider, or the immigrant. Jewish stories tackle these ideas with humor and drama, and people around the world see themselves in our stories.”
- Ben Cosgrove, film producer.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:
- THE GREEN BOOK by Calvin A. Ramsey - One of the ten most attended shows in Louisville.
- INDECENT by Paula Vogel - Nominated for numerous Broadway World’s Regional Awards.
- H*TLER’S TASTERS by Michelle Kholos Brooks - Directed by Sarah Norris, with the original Off-Broadway cast.
ShPIeL continues its journey of ‘knowledge with heart’, with its performance of CHAGALL IN SCHOOL by James Sherman, February 8 - 17 at Kentucky Performing Arts. About Marc Chagall, one of the 20th Century’s great artists, the play is about the art conservatory he founded, both for Jews and other artists in his hometown (shtetl) of Vitebsk, Russia. Through laughter with poignancy, CHAGALL IN SCHOOL is about art that lifts us to heights of joy, even when clouds of fear and power lurk in the background. Ultimately, the power of art is a challenging act for beauty, love and freedom.
YOUR gift makes our work possible, even as freedom is being challenged in today’s world. By reaching deep into the community, having high level post-show discussions with community leaders and experts in their fields, and keeping our ticket pricing at affordable levels, at the gorgeous Kentucky Performing Arts, ShPIeL is having more impact than ever before!
A special offer to YOU — for gifts of $180 on up, you will receive a signed poster, by playwright James Sherman. (Poster image, Waiting (L’Attente) by Marc Chagall, 1967, in the Speed’s collection, to be exhibited at the Speed, before and during the run of the production.)
Waiting (L’Attente) by Marc Chagall, 1967, at Speed Museum
Truly, your gift joins YOU to our mission by creating theatre and performances that challenge antisemitism and uphold a multitude of richly textured stories.
YOUR meaningful gift supports these critically needed stories, that join together with other cultures. Please join with us, in this endeavor.
If you'd prefer to donate by check, please mail your check to the address below:
ShPIeL Performing Identity
1738 Harvard Drive
Louisville, KY. 40205
MORE ABOUT OUR WORK
ShPIeL’s work includes Tony Award winning INDECENT by Paula Vogel, about Yiddish Theatre and its story of joy and outsiderness culminating in antisemitism. Yet, the love between two women brings hope and beauty to the world. Our production was nominated for Broadway World’s 2022 Regional Awards: Best Director (David Y. Chack. ShPIeL’s Producing Artistic Director), Best 2nd Lead Actor (Patrick Vaughn), and Best Ensemble Acting.
Another highlight was THE GREEN BOOK by Calvin Alexander Ramsey about the African-American travel guide and how a Holocaust survivor used it to travel safely, during the Jim Crow era. One of the ten most attended shows in Louisville, as listed by Business First.
Our most recent production was H*TLER’S TASTERS by Michelle Kholos Brooks, directed by Sarah Norris, with the original Off-Broadway cast, at Kentucky Performing Arts, a dark satire about the girls who tasted Hitler’s food, metaphorically about totalitarianism that leads to othering, misogyny, racism, and antisemitism.
ShPIeL thanks the Speed Art Museum for its support, and ShPIeL receives grants from the Jewish Heritage Fund and other donors and is a 501(c)3 non-profit culture and arts organization registered in Kentucky. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
David Y. Chack, Producing Artistic Director