Our Class by Tadeusz Slobodzianek, in a version by Ryan Craig, is a new work from the London stage which will have its regional premiere run on Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company's (MJTC) stage October 29 - November 20, 2011. It's Poland in 1925, and 10 young Jewish and Catholic children, all class mates, share their dreams of what they would like to be when they grow up. As the friends grow older, things in their small town change. Poland is first invaded by the Soviets and then the Nazis. A fervent nationalism develops and bitterness ensues. In a series of events, friends betray each other and violence escalates to an unimaginable end. Based on true events, Our Class explores human behavior with a captivating boldness.
Our Class is directed by Miriam Monasch. Miriam directed MJTC's hit production My Name is Asher Lev last season as well as the 2007 production of The Magic Dreidels. Miriam was last seen on MJTC's stage as Goldie in Women's Minyan. Her other acting credits at MJTC include Chaim's Love Song and The Action Against Sol Schumann. Other directing credits include Brilliant Traces and The Most Massive Woman Wins at Theatre Unbound.
Our Class features Gabriele Angieri, Candace Barrett Birk, Caleb Carlson, Elena Giannetti (My Name is Asher Lev, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, The Triangle Factory Fire Project), Michael Jurenek, Robert Larsen, David McMenomy, George Muellner (Chaim's Love Song, Parade),
Maggie Bearmon Pistner, and Walter Weaver (Parade).
MJTC is pleased to present Doorways program in conjunction with Our Class. Doorways is MJTC's initiative of ongoing programs such as symposia, community forums, post-show discussions, written communications, and work with schoolchildren, all designed to open the door to greater understanding and enjoyment of the plays we present and to deeper insight into the subjects and issues they address.
Doorways programs in conjunction with Our Class are as follows:
A Personal Account
Join us for an intimate discussion with Twin Cities resident and artist
Lucy Smith. She will share her personal account of growing up in Poland and hiding and surviving W.W.II., along with her perspective on Poland today. This program will follow the Sunday, October 30th 1 pm performance.
Dig Deeper Into the Production
Actors in Our Class will talk about their work on the production and answer your questions. This exciting discussion with a dynamic group of artists will follow the Saturday, November 5th performance.
A Glimpse Into Human Behavior
Join licensed psychologists Leah Albersheim, Ph.D. and Ruth Hornstein as they take a closer look at human behavior and probe the question: how can people turn on their neighbors and friends? This program will follow the Sunday, November 13th performance.
Tickets for Our Class are Wednesdays $18, Thursdays $19, Saturdays $26, Sunday afternoons $22. There is one Sunday evening performance on Sunday, October 30th at 7 pm, ticket price is $18. Student rush tickets are $12. Group discounts are available. Season passbook subscriptions are still available for $51 to $72. Full-time student season passbook subscription is $36. All performances are at MJTC's theater home, Hillcrest Center, 1978 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul. For ticket reservations call 651-647-4315, Monday through Friday, 9 am - 4:30 pm, or e-mail info@mnjewishtheatre.org.
Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company is a non-profit organization now in its 17th year of presenting professional productions rooted in the Jewish experience and illuminating
The Common humanity among us all. The audience for MJTC is almost equally divided between Jews and non-Jews. For further information about MJTC, call 651-647-4315 or visit our website at
www.mnjewishtheatre.org; or join our Facebook family at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Minnesota-Jewish-Theatre-Company/44432069548.
