Arts Judaica presentsthe Chicago Premiere of Female, Ashkenazi with a Sewing Machine |
||
| By Jamie Greenblatt | ||
| Music by Richard Jennings | ||
|
Directed by Izadorius Tortuga Special thanks to the following organizations for their help in promoting this show: The Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetic Testing, Gilda's Club and Sharsehret POSTER FOR THE SHOW DESIGNED BY GRAYSON TICER |
(1).jpg)
Cast
Creative Team
Izadorius Tortuga
Sophia Klevit
Ashley E. Benson
Julie Adams
Rob Silverman-Ascher
Viscaya Wilson
Jamie Greenblatt
Richard Jennings
Elayne LeTraunik
Katie Mae Ryan
Tristin M. Hall
Gort Zohn
Coming Next from Arts Judaica
COMING NEXT1
Arts Judaica is proud to present a staged reading of a fascinating new play called FREE RADICALS by Adam Pasen
In 1926, on the Hyde Park El Stop, two individuals, one Alice Rosenbaum, 21, from Russia and a 17 year old named Sollie from Chicago encounter each other. Their interactions make it clear we will be hearing from these people again.
Date and location TBA
Keep up to date on what we are doing by joining our mailing list at
artsjudaica@gmail.com
Booking available for SURVIVORS
Arts Judaica
6030 N. Sheridan Road, #1907
Chicago, IL 60660
Elayne LeTraunik, 773-724-1554
Book SURVIVORS for Winter 2025 / Spring 2026
About the Play
SURVIVORS is a powerful, one-hour play based on the eyewitness
accounts of young Holocaust survivors. More than a performance, it is a
transformative educational experience designed to meet Holocaust
education mandates while encouraging empathy, resilience, and moral
courage in the face of hate.
In a time of rising antisemitism and hatred toward marginalized groups,SURVIVORS speaks directly to students, educators, and communities.
Tens of thousands across the US and Canada have experienced its impact.
Performed with historical accuracy and emotional honesty by six
professional actors,
SURVIVORS is suitable for:
● Middle Schools (recommended for grades 5 and older)
● High Schools
● Colleges and Universities
● Faith-Based Communities
● Civic and Community Organizations
Educational Value
✔ Meets Holocaust education mandates
✔ Promotes understanding of human cost of hatred
✔ Encourages students to stand up to antisemitism and prejudice
✔ Sparks discussion on current events and the risks of normalized hate
✔ Includes a detailed study guide supplied in advance
Performance Details
● Length: 60 minutes
● Cast: 6 professional actors
● Venue: Your school or organization’s space
● Price: $3,000 per performance
○ Discounts available for multiple groups
○ Additional travel or technical fees may apply
Booking Now for Winter 2025 / Spring 2026
Reserve your date early to ensure availability!
📧 Email: artsjudaica@gmail.com
📞 Call: 773-724-1554 (Elayne LeTraunik, Artistic Director)
🌐 Website: www.artsjudaica.com
Ask to see a video clip from our Chicago showcase production!
About Arts Judaica
Arts Judaica is committed to using the power of live theatre to preserve
Jewish history and culture while fostering understanding and compassion.
We would be honored to collaborate with your school, organization, or
community to ensure these vital voices are heard by new generations.
Funding and Development
SURVIVORS was originally developed in Rochester, NY with support from:
● The William & Sheila Konar Foundation
● The Cornell Weinstein Family Foundation
● The Zachor Holocaust Remembrance Foundation of the Jewish
Federation of Greater Rochester
● The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation
● ESL Charitable Foundation
● Many generous individual donors
Contact Us Today
Let’s talk about how we can bring this meaningful and urgent work to your
community.
Meet the Company
Keith Surney
Keith Surney is a veteran of the U.S Army and a graduate of Columbia College. For the last 7 years he has been an ensemble member and board member at Trap Door Theatre. His past theater credits include ( Trap Door) The Pragmatist, The Martyrdom of Peter Ohey, Medea material, The White Plague, (The Goodman) Primary Trust, and ( Lifeline Theater) Native Son. Keith's next project is The Dutchman at Trap Door; this will be his directorial debut. Keith is thrilled to be a part of Female, Ashkenazi with a Sewing Machine and to share this beautiful story with the city of Chicago.
Haley Basil
Haley Basil (Anna) is excited to be joining Arts Judaica for her first production with them. Originally from Indianapolis, Haley studied acting and playwriting in New York City at Marymount Manhattan College. Past productions include: Alabama Story (Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre), The Winter’s Tale (Scranton Shakespeare Festival), Play that Goes Wrong (Constellation Stage & Screen), Natural Affection (American Lives Theatre). Her play Lady Lazarus was recently shortlisted for Seattle Public Theatre’s Distillery New Works Festival and will be given a staged reading with Chicago’s Ghostlight Ensemble Theatre in 2026. For her grandmother Rita, who gave her roots in theatre, and for her parents, who gave her wings to fly. www.haleybasil.com
Venus Fu
Venus Fu started to leam violin at age 6. Because of her great talent, she was recurred as the first violinist at the Beijing Children Palace Orchestra and promoted as concert master 2 years later.
She later jointed the China Film Orchestra at Beijing as the first violin, and after moved to Hong Kong in 1987, jointed The Hong Kong Sinfonietta where she performed for over 10 years.
At the year 2000, Venus and her family moved to Montreal, Canada and jointed The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra in 2006 as the concert master. She performed together with Mr. Joseph Milo, the
conductor of The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, for various concerts and music which include: The Butterfly Lovers (Liang Zhu) violin concerto, in 2010; Donation concerts for Haitian earthquake
suffering, in 2010; Fund raising concert for the Youth Activity - Good Shepherd Church and Kids in the Park - South-Shore Community Church, in 2011.
She was also the musical director for 2010 & 2011 Montreal Multi-culture New Year Concert for the Montreal Chinese community. Then Venus is also one of the founders of the Trio al Piacere performing at
different cities in Quebec.
She also regularly participates in Brossard City Les Melodistes Choir as violinist. In 2010, she was invited by the City of Brossard to perform with the Longueil Symphony Orchestra for the Christmas Concert as solo
violin Performing Meditation from Thais & Chinese traditional music: Charming Night (Liang Xiao).
In 2010, Venus was awarded the Silver Medal Violin Teacher and in 2011 the Gold Medal Violin Teacher by The Royal Conservatory of Music, Canada. She frequently brought along her violin students to visit and
perform for various Senior Retirement Homes & Hospitals.
In 2012, Venus moved to USA and start working for Highland Park Strings & Lake Forest Civic Orchestra as principal Viola.
Margo Chervony
Margo Chervony's Chicago credits include Bad Jews (Theater Wit), Into the Breeches (Northlight), Significant Other (About Face), The Birds (Hell in a Handbag Productions), and The Robbers (Strangeloop Theatre). Regional: Richard III (Riverside Theatre); Fever/Dream (Cleveland Public Theatre); Othello, Love's Labour's Lost (Cleveland Shakespeare Festival), A Girl's Guide to Coffee (Actors' Summit). Margo has trained with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and Case Western Reserve University. When they are not acting, Margo teaches with Chicago Public Schools.
Izadorius Tortuga
Izadorius (Director) made his Chicago directing debut with Arts Judaica’s THE BERLIN DIARIES last December after spending the last four years away earning his BFA in directing at Carnegie Mellon University. Notable accomplishments there include directing a riveting production of SENDER by Ike Holter, devising an immersive, site-specific adaptation of DEATH OF ORPHEUS, producing a workshop reading of his new musical, 69 LOVE SONGS: A QUEER FANTASIA, and assistant directing the regional premiere of NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812. Since his recent return to the Windy City, he performed in New Wave Theatre Company’s inaugural production, THIS IS ART and served as properties designer for [TITLE OF SHOW] at PrideArts. Previously, Izadorius has collaborated with many companies across the city, including Theatre Above the Law, Links Hall, Prop Thtr, and Collaboraction. Special thanks goes out to all those who took him underwing throughout his youthful storefront theater endeavors.
Sophia Klevit
Sophia Klevit (she/her) is so excited to be assistant directing her first production with Arts Judaica! Sophia is a recent graduate from DePaul University originally from outside Philadelphia. She is a playwright, and has written and directed productions while studying at DePaul. She would like to thank her wonderful cast and crew for this experience, Elayne and Izadorius for the opportunity, as well as her friends and family back in Philly. She is looking forward to more projects in collaboration with Arts Judaica!
Ashley E. Benson
Ashley E. Benson [she/they] (Costume Designer) is thrilled to work with Arts Judaica for the first time. Chicago design credits include [title of show] (PrideArts), Young Frankenstein, and Drop Dead! (Maine West High School) as well as Heathers, the Musical and Noises Off (Deerfield High School). Ashley is an alumnus of the AMDA NY Integrated Conservatory Program. www.ashleyelizabethbenson.com
Julie Adams
Julie Adams is a Lighting Designer and Stage Electrician from Melbourne, FL. They are currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Lighting Design at Carnegie Mellon University. They graduated from Florida State University in December 2023 with a B.A. in Theatre, focusing in lighting and electrics. Their previous credits include the Glimmerglass Opera Festival, the Canterbury Summer Theatre, HAVEN Chicago, Weathervane Theatre, and Powerhouse Theater.
Rob Silverman-Ascher
Rob Silverman Ascher is a Chicago-based dramaturg, writer, and arts administrator. He has worked as a dramaturg at Riverside Theatre, The University of Iowa, and Ancram Opera House, and his writing has been seen in Chicago Reader, Little Village and HowlRound. He self-publishes at Simpler and With More Laughter. Love to Margo.
Viscaya Wilson
Viscaya Wilson is delighted to return to Arts Judaica after designing the set for The Berlin Diaries last winter. A multimedia artist and scenic designer from the Midwest, she recently earned her BFA in Scenic Design from Carnegie Mellon University. Her latest project, Back to Methuselah, delved into immersive storytelling and reflected her passion for experimental theater, telling modern stories. Other notable Pittsburgh credits include Sender, directed by Izadorius, and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play at CMU.
Jamie Greenblatt
Jamie Greenblatt (Playwright) is a playwright whose work often integrates music, movement and puppetry. Her plays MY RECOLLECT TIME and FEMALE, ASHKENAZI WITH A SEWING MACHINE (Semi-Finalist in the Jewish Plays Project’s 11th Jewish Playwriting Contest) were produced by Inferno Theatre in Berkeley, California. A monologue from MY RECOLLECT TIME was published in Smith & Kraus’ WE/US: MONOLOGUES FOR THE GENDER MINORITY ANTHOLOGY, 2022. She’s a member of The Dramatists Guild of America. Visit https://newplayexchange.org/users/27406/jamie-greenblatt to learn more
Richard Jennings
Richard Jennings (Composer) Richard Jennings’ musicals have been produced from New York to California. Trained by Pulitzer-Prize winning composers, composing 50+ scores for plays (30+ Shakespeare) in theatres tiny to Tony Award winning, he’s composed for film, PBS, Disney and network TV. AMERICAN THEATRE MAGAZINE published his article, “Music for Plays, a Step by Step Guide”. He’s served on the faculties of colleges and universities and is a member of The Dramatists Guild of America. Visit: rjmusic.org.
Elayne LeTraunik
Elayne LeTraunik is a native Chicagoan and has been involved in the Chicago theatre scene since the 1970s. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with honors in History and Theatre, she continued her acting studies at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England.
Elayne has worked extensively both as an actress and a producer and starred in the Chicago premieres of “Nuts” and “Extremities.” She also appeared in “Beyond Therapy” which featured Skipp Sudduth and Carmen Roman. She currently works extensively in commercials and independent productions.
As a producer, she oversaw a number of award winning and critically acclaimed productions including the Chicago premiere of “A Dybbuk” and a revival of “Class Enemy.”
Elayne was the auditions columnist for “Performink” newspaper for 15 years and was the founder and Artistic Director of Red Hen Productions and Chicago Jewish Theatre.
Elayne was also a prolific writer and was a weekly columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times as well as contributor to Plays and Players Magazine in London.
Elayne currently works as a freelance grant writer and PR person for a number of small theater and arts companies in Chicago. More information about her can be found at elayneletraunik.weebly.com.
She was the Associate Artistic Director of Genesis Theatrical Productions but now acts as a consultant, script reader and grants writer and has taken courses in grant writing from the Foundation Center and from the Fundraising Authority. .
She is a member of Actor’s Equity and is represented exclusively by Big Mouth Talent.
Katie Mae Ryan
Katie Mae Ryan (Stage Manager) is ecstatic to work on such a vibrant, touching show with a former CMU Drama classmate. In Chicago, Katie Mae worked as a Stage Manager for the DCASE/Urban Theater reading of Krystal Ortiz's frikiNation and as Assistant Stage Manager on Blue in the Right Way's experimental production of The Tender Trap. Since graduating from CMU's dramaturgy, .Katie Mae loves getting the chance to wear many theatrical hats, including dramaturg, director, and technician. When not in a rehearsal room, Katie Mae is involved in the sketch comedy scene of Chicago.
Tristin M. Hall
Tristin Hall (They/them –Intimacy Director) Is thrilled to join the team for Ashkenazi with a Sewing Machine. Tristin is Chicago born and raised actor, Intimacy and Fight Choreographer trained with IDC, SAFD, and BASSC. They have choreographed at Jackalope, Steep, Strawdog, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Writers, Bramble Theater, Jackalope, Theater Evolve, and Citadel to name a few. Tristin is a proud founding member of Point Theatre Project and of Gladiator Fight Night. All the love to their family for their constant support!"
Gort Zohn
This is Gort who plays in the shadows. Previous credits include Tsarovia! (Citizen's Relief) and Alice in Bed (Trap Door Theatre)
The Sarnoff Center for Genetic Testing
A Message from the Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics
At the Norton & Elaine Sarnoff Center for Jewish Genetics, we are proud to support stories that illuminate the powerful connection between heritage and health. As a Chicago-based nonprofit, our mission is to promote the well-being of the Jewish community through education, affordable genetic screening, and personalized genetic counseling. We focus on a wide range of inherited conditions, from recessive disorders and carrier screening for family planning to hereditary cancers like those linked to BRCA gene mutations, which are significantly more common among individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Why This Story Matters to Us
The journey portrayed in FEMALE, ASHKENAZI WITH A SEWING MACHINE reflects the lived experiences of many individuals we serve - those who discover their Jewish ancestry through a health diagnosis, and those who seek answers about their genetic risks. We believe that knowledge is power. By helping people understand their genetic makeup, we empower them to make informed decisions about their health, their families, and their futures.
We’re Here for You
Whether you're facing a recent diagnosis, planning for a family, or simply curious about your genetic background, the Sarnoff Center is here to help. Our licensed genetic counselor is available to guide you with compassion and expertise. Visit jewishgenetics.org, call us at 312-357-4718, or email jewishgenetics@juf.org to learn more.
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to
Mr. and Mrs. John Benson for their generous support
