A New Theatrical Adaptation for 'Yentl'

Gary Abrahams talks about 'Yentl'. Gender identity, religious and sexual politics, and traditional Yiddish culture collide in this bold and contemporary adaptation by Gary Abrahams, Elise Hearst and Kadimah Yiddish Theatre Artistic Co-Directors Galit Klas and Evelyn Krape. This new stage adaptation of Nobel Prize laureate Isaac Bashevis Singer’s iconic short story ‘Yentl’, is the first new adaptation since the pop culture phenomenon that was Barbra Streisand’s 1983 musical film.

'Yentl' Credit: Jeff Busby

Yentl is the journey of a young woman who defies the Jewish Orthodox tradition that forbids females from studying religious scripture. When her father dies, Yentl emancipates herself by dressing in male guise, determined to live as a man to continue her studies. Religion, gender, sexual politics, and traditional Yiddish culture collide as Yentl finds her truth through faith and love.