Pre-Passover Gathering Announced For Jewish Artists, Writers And Young Professionals

NEXT, an innovative program that seeks to give voice to today's generation of young, Jewish professionals in the arts, will host "Desert Nights," a pre-Passover party designed to build community, facilitate networking and create art on Saturday, April 6 at The Braid, Jewish Women's Theatre's (JWT's) art and performance space in Santa Monica.

The evening will include a short performance, along with food, drinks and music. The pre-Passover party will be partially catered by Zoe Komarin, who promises a "blend of culinary arts, performance, and a kind of food therapy." Signature drinks will also be available. JWT actors Tiffany Mualem and Abbe Meryl Feder will also tell stories from JWT's unique salon theatre archives, including an innovative "Dayenu" rap.

"Desert Nights is a chance for young professionals, artists and their friends to gather, schmooze, fill their bellies, eyes and ears, ultimately realizing what amazing art and artists we have coming through our doors at The Braid," says Andrew Fromer, NEXT @ The Braid Coordinator and JWT's Assistant Artistic Director. "We hope party-goers walk away from this fun Saturday night outing with new friends and new perspectives."

Now in its third year, NEXT is a program of JWT made possible with generous support from The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles, Erwin Rautenberg Foundation, and the Y&S Nazarian Initiative, a program of The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Emerging writers, actors, directors and theatre professionals create their own shows and events under the mentorship of JWT's experienced professional staff.

Fromer has been a member of NEXT since the beginning and he enthusiastically embraces the opportunity it provides to his generation. "NEXT @ The Braid has completely changed my life as a working artist," Fromer explains. "I was so fortunate to land a spot on the inaugural council and from that opportunity, grow my skillset and role at JWT. I now get to have my voice as a part of JWT's long-term future and therefore play a part in shifting the cultural landscape of Jewish arts."

This year's NEXT @ The Braid Fellows are Judith Goldstein, Julie Lanctot, Kyra Morling, Arnon Z. Schorr, Chandler Turk, Aysha Wax, Ora Yashar, and lead literary manager Daphna Shull, who is also returning for her third year with the Council.

"Desert Nights" will give all young Jewish artists an opportunity to learn about NEXT's current project, The Way Home (set to debut in June 2019) as well as meet its members and become part of a new community of like-minded creative colleagues. It will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at The Braid, 2912 Colorado Ave. #102, Santa Monica, 90404. Admission is $15 and there is plenty of free parking. Tickets and more info about NEXT is available at: bit.ly/nextatthebraid.