Theatre Ariel concludes its celebration of Israel’s 60th Anniversary with a concert reading of WOMEN’S MINYAN by Naomi Ragen on June 11 at 7:00 PM at Plays and Players Theatre. Directed by Deborah Baer Mozes, the ensemble cast will feature Hazel Bower, Alana Gerlach, Susan Mozes, Betsy Rentz, Sam Rosen, Mary Beth Scallen, Cathy Simpson, Emily Simkin, Peggy Smith, Catharine Suklar, and Charlotte Cloe Fox Wind. Tickets at $10.00 each are available by calling 610-667-9230 or at the theater a half hour before the performance.

Based on a true story, WOMEN’S MINYAN shines an honest spotlight on women living in the ultra-orthodox world and its impact on their lives and faith. Chana flees her ultra-orthodox community in Mea Shearim, Jerusalem, leaving behind twelve children and taking with her a life of painful secrets and memories of an abusive marriage. Two years later, armed with a secular court order, she returns with the hope of seeing the children who have been hidden from her. Now she must face the higher court of judgement - her family and friends.

Commissioned by Habima, Israel’s national theater, WOMEN’S MINYAN recently closed after a record-breaking six-year run. Author, journalist and now playwright, Naomi Ragen has become one of the Jewish world’s most controversial and popular novelists and political commentators. An Orthodox woman and fiercely outspoken advocate for gender equality, her works hold a unique place in the Jewish library.

Following the reading Theatre Ariel will present a discussion led by Professor Emilie Parsow, an Auxiliary Professor in the Judaic Studies Program and the Department of English and Philosophy at Drexel University, and Co-Director of its Certificate Program in Humanities, Medical Sciences and Society. Since 2002 she has taught courses on Jewish texts and studies, with special emphasis on women in Jewish history and literature. Dr. Passow has given Medical Humanities Grand Rounds at the major medical institutions in Philadelphia and is Visiting Lecturer in Medical Humanities at Thomas Jefferson Medical College.

Founded in 1990, Theatre Ariel is Pennsylvania’s oldest professional theater dedicated to illuminating the rich social, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the Jewish people. Theatre Ariel produces and commissions’ works that serves as a bridge between people of all cultures while also strengthening Jewish identity. Since its inception, Theatre Ariel has given life to 46 new plays, which reflect on the varied American Jewish experience, as well as work that draws its inspiration from classical Jewish texts. The company produces an extensive Touring Repertoire reaching out to children, teens, families and adults at schools, colleges, libraries, community centers, conferences, synagogues, theatres and nontraditional performing venues. Theatre Ariel serves as an educational resource through its improv troupe ARIELPROV, Youth Theater programs, Teacher Training workshops and collaborations with the National Museum of American Jewish History. Theatre Ariel is a member of the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and through the Association for Jewish Theatre, is at the forefront of an international network of Jewish Theatres and Theatre Artists.

For further information, please call 610-667-9230.