The Jewish Plays Project in Toronto
- Anat Kriger
- Apr 27
- 2 min read
Updated: May 24
For the first time in its 15-year history, the international Jewish Playwriting Contest (JPP) is holding an event in Toronto for audiences to help select the winner!
Miles Nadal JCC in partnership with the Jewish Plays Project, Koffler Arts, and Harold Green Jewish Theatre will showcase live, 20-minute excerpts from the nominated plays. The plays have been selected by a panel of over 20 Toronto-based artists and community members and will feature an all-Canadian acting ensemble that includes: Sarah Orenstein, Jonas Chernick, Ori Black, Hershel Blatt, Brittany Kay, and Anat Kriger.
This event is generously supported by UJA’s Kultura Collective.
Since 2011, the JPP has received and vetted over 2,800 plays by 1,800 writers across 34 US states and 10 countries. The JPP has actively developed 61 of those plays, 44 of which have gone on to production in cities across the globe, including New York, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv, playing for more than 140,000 audience members. The track record of the JPP makes them an exciting partner for the future of Jewish Canadian plays. MNJCC is proud to be the first Canadian partner to collaborate with the JPP and showcase the wonderful talent in our city!
May 3rd, 2026 7pm Miles Nadal JCC
Three plays. One room. A community leaning in together.
Last night, the Jewish Plays Project made its Canadian debut at the Al Green Theatre, bringing bold new Jewish stories to life through live readings and conversation.
Over the course of the evening, audiences experienced three powerful works in development, each offering a distinct voice, perspective, and window into contemporary Jewish storytelling. And then, in true JPP fashion, the audience took on the role of jury, casting their votes to determine which play will move forward.
Congratulations to our winning play: Flatbush Lysistrata by Lila Rachel Becker
Thank you to our incredible partners, the Jewish Plays Project, Koffler Arts, and Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, and to the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto’s Kultura Collective for their support in bringing this night to Toronto.
We’re so grateful to our dedicated jury, talented performers, and creative team, whose care, insight, and artistry made the experience so dynamic and meaningful.
And to everyone who joined us: thank you for showing up with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to take part. This is what it looks like to build the future of Jewish theatre together.
@diacoram_photography for @shawngoldbergphotos
Post by Miles Nadal JCC
