Spring Weekend 2020: The American Emperor at Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival

Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival, honoring the playwright and human rights activist Vaclav Havel, resents live reading of the play "The American Emperor."

What does it mean to leave everything behind for a better future? In a desperate search for a new life, the poorest fall prey to unscrupulous exploitation. The American Emperor centers on the migration of Jews from the poorest region of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Galicia, during the late 19th century. It follows the story of impoverished siblings Mendel and Rifke Beck as the promise of a better life in America looms large. While Mendel leaves for the New World, Rifke stays behind and moves up from her domestic role into one of a leader.

The American Emperor (2018). Written by: Michal Ditte (Slovakia), based on a book by Martin Pollack. Director: Jacquelyn Claire de Villiers. Cast: Elizabeth Andrews (Rifke), Michaela Boruta (Slovak Name Litany), Jennette Cronk (Bertha Pappenheim, Trade Unionist), Michael Frishman (Mendel), Zane Gillion (Anti-Semite, Octopus, Boss, Galician), Megan Metrikin (Legend, Statue of Liberty, Galician), Caren Skibell (Translator, Receptionist, Galician). Traslated by: Lucia Faltin. Stage directions: Megan Metrikin. Zoom background design: Anna Niklova. Dialect coach: Michaela Boruta. Running time: 90 min.

The performance is followed by Q&A.

The American Emperor received the 2018 DOSKY Award of the Slovak Association of Contemporary Theater for best production.

This event is will be broadcasted online, live on Zoom. RSVP is required to receive password for free viewing. RSVP online: www.rehearsalfortruth.eventbrite.com.

ABOUT THE 2020 SPRING WEEKEND

The 2020 Spring Weekend is organized by the Vaclav Havel Library Foundation and Bohemian Benevolent and Literary Association, in partnership with Polish Cultural Institute New York and Untitled Theater Company #61. Spring Weekend is part of the annual Rehearsal for Truth Theater Festival honoring the playwright and human rights activist Vaclav Havel. It showcases contemporary European plays through stage readings performed and directed by New York City-based actors and directors. The program has been conceived in consultation with Attila Szabo, Deputy Director, Hungarian Theatre Museum and Institute; Vladislava Fekete, Director, Theatre Institute in Bratislava; and Zuzana Ulicianska, Chair of the Slovak Center - International Association of Theatre Critics.The program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.