BT: Master of Return Interview

1. First off, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself, and your prior background in theatre?

I am an actor working in theatre, film and commercials. I am also a singer with a musical theatre background.  As a writer, I've worked as a Journalist and freelance writer, wrote a children's book, and wrote/acted in Starting Note Webseries: A New Webseries about a New A Cappella Group. My next project will be writing the libretto for a new musical.

2. So describe to us your show in this year’s festivity, and what was the inspiration behind it?

BT: Master of Return is about a secular Jewish college student who becomes observant while studying abroad in Israel, and the impact that has on her relationships with her non-religious parents and boyfriend.  I was inspired to write it while living in Israel after college.  I grew up in a reform Jewish home in an area where everyone was Jewish but no one was religious. I absolutely loved Hebrew School and Jewish holidays, but had no exposure to religious Jews until college.  It was then that I became completely fascinated with and more strongly connected to Judaism. In Israel, I saw so many people my age (early 20's) who grew up secular like I did suddenly becoming extremely observant.  I imagined how my own family and friends would react if I became observant myself.  I am fortunate to have strong friendships with Jews who identify as Orthodox and are far more observant that I am. It has continuously upset me to hear secular Jews speak about Orthodox Jews as "other" or "strange."  Whether it was my own paranoia or not, I constantly felt judged people who were more observant than I was. Various incidents made me think further about the divide between religious and secular Jews, and it became my mission to bridge the gap between us.  

3. What excites you most about your show being involved in a festival like Planet Connections?

Planet Connections is an eco-friendly and socially-conscious theatre festival that truly walks the walk.  It's amazing to be a part of a festival whose values are in line with mine and my teams.' Its purpose is to invoke the power of art in inspiring social change and community outreach.  I am honored to be a part of a festival that inspires artists to use our platform to make a positive impact. Each production chooses an organization to raise awareness for, and we are proud to be supporting UJA Federation of New York. 

4. Can you tell us a bit about your charity that you are supporting, and why you chose it?

UJA- Federation of New York raises and allocated funds to  “care for people in need, inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning, and strengthen Jewish communities in New York, in Israel, and around the world.”  UJA-Federation provides funding to support a network of community-based organizations that offer services to combat poverty, help the elderly, promote Jewish identity and renewal, strengthen connections between Jews all over the world, care for people with disabilities, and stand in support of the people of Israel. 

I wanted to support an organization rooted in Jewish values that helps all types of people from all types of backgrounds.  They are creating a program specifically for those of us involved with BT: Master of Return to serve the Jewish community.  

5. Can you share with us some of your thoughts on the importance of independent art?

Art is healing and magical. It can change someone's life. It is so so important to create and represent people from different walks of life in all sorts of situations.  

6. What do you hope audiences will come away with, after seeing your show?

After a staged reading in the winter, someone said to me, "I LOVED the (religious) rabbi and rebbetzin characters - they were so lovable and NORMAL!"   .... and that is basically exactly what I want.  

I am hoping audiences will walk away with a different view of secular and observant Jews than they walked in with.

I hope anyone who feels they can do no right by their parents feels understood.

I want people to learn something about Judaism.

I want people to come out being more accepting of those who are different from them.

I hope people will walk out with the courage to pursue something new and seemingly impossible. 

7. After this year’s festivity is done, what are your hopes for the future of this show?

I want BT: Master of Return to have a long life and hope that Planet Connections is only the beginning.  I would love for it to be performed at regional theatres all over the country. I also hope to get it published. 

8. Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

BT: Master of Return is accessible to people of all different backgrounds, not only Jewish people.