Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends

Fiddler! A Musical

10 years Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends

  • Dialogue
  • Music
  • Performance
English /  With translation /  Further languages /  approx. 180 mins. (incl. intermission)

Download the programme book here.

“Fiddler! A Musical” presents musical theater as an experimental tradition. Paying a loose homage to “Fiddler on the Roof”, a Broadway smash that brought Yiddish art to the masses and reshaped Jewish representation in popular culture, the show explores the traditions of 20th-century Jewish performative crafts – from Russia, through Berlin to New York – and their relations to exile, expulsion, and state violence. The show, which has been two years in the making, indulges in the underworlds of Jewish mysticism and its kaleidoscopes of demons, witches and ghosts, while cabaret, Vaudeville, expressionist dance, stand-up, and ultimately, the Broadway musical animate the scene. On the occasion of 10 years of Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends, the show is an intoxicating and disorienting ride where the music of composer Ethan Braun, light and objects take center stage. They are joined by the group’s rotating roster of performers, with special guests like the musician Peaches and Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop. 
 
What began as a jubilant celebration took a somber turn in the final stages of rehearsal. We are all devastated by the unspeakable brutality in Israel and Palestine, and the unfolding dehumanization, insidious discourse and bigotry. As we were impacted by the escalating horrors, our studio became a room for mourning, radical empathy, humanity and compassion. As despair looms, we hope that the show can potentially offer others an inclusive space for solace, grief and togetherness.

Cast

Artistic direction: Ariel Efraim Ashbel / Musical direction & composition: Ethan Braun / Stage design: Alona Rodeh / Light design: Joseph Wegman / Costume: Marquet K. Lee / Research & concept: Romm Lewkowicz / By and with: Efrat Aviv, Jessica Gadani, Leah Katz, mma Kgosi, Peaches, Perel, Liz Rosenfeld, Tamara Saphir, Tatiana Saphir, Sarah Thom / Orchestra: Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop / Artistic production: Anna von Glasenapp / high expectations / Administration: Gregor Zoch / high expectations / Technical direction: Hendrik Borowski / Graphic design: Avi Bohbot / Dramaturgy & assistance direction: Katharina Joy Book / Stage assistance: Pitt Kunath / PR & Marketing: Lilly Schofield / Social Media: Dan Kanin / Artistic collaboration accessibility: Miles Wendt / Special thanks to: Rachel Libeskind, Heiki Riipinen, Jordan Schnee

Dates

Past
  • Premiere
    Wed 13.12.2023, 19:00 / HAU1
  • Thu 14.12.2023, 19:00 / HAU1
  • Sat 16.12.2023, 19:00 / HAU1
  • Sun 17.12.2023, 19:00 / HAU1

Further Information

Visitor note

We offer a pre-access tour before all performances, meeting point 6:30 in the foyer. Admission starts at 7pm.

During the pre-access tour, the audience is given the possibility to orientate in the auditorium. The most dominant light and sound effects are demonstrated so that they can prepare for the show accordingly. Individual questions will also be answered.

The total runtime is 180 min incl. intermission: there will be an intermission of 25 min after ca. 90 min: audience has to leave the auditorium.

Most of the time there is darkness in the auditorium. Especially during Act 1 it is rather dark on stage as well.

Dominant colors in light design: green, purple, pink.

In several scenes fog/haze is used.

Use of projections (video and text).

Lighting matches and candles.

There are 2 moments of voluntary audience involvement. Performers may move around in the auditorium.

There is live music by a string orchestra and piano and also electronic tracks and recordings.

The performers use microphones.

Act 2 (after the intermission) has one visual and one auditory element that could be triggering for people sensitive to sound or strobing light, or prone to migraines and vertigo. (see detailed access notes on site for more information or talk to Miles during the Access Tour).

Earplugs are available from front of house staff in the foyer.

You may leave the auditorium and come back at any point during the show.

Alternative seating (beanbags) is available. Tickets for this accessible offer are available online and at the ticket office.

Notes:

After the performance on 14.12.: Artist Talk with Henrike Kohpeiß

Read an interview with Ariel Efraim Ashbel on HAU3000!

Credits

Production: Ariel Efraim Ashbel and friends. Co-production: HAU Hebbel am Ufer, FFT Düsseldorf, Kampnagel Hamburg. Funded by: Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.

Location

HAU1
Stresemannstr. 29, 10963 Berlin

There are two marked parking spots in front of the building. Access to the Parkett by means of a separate entrance with lift when necessary. Barrier-free restroom facilities are available. Tickets for wheelchair users and accompanying persons can be booked via the ticketing system. If you need any help, please contact our Ticketing & Service team at +49 (0)30 259004-27 or send us an email totickets@hebbel-am-ufer.de.

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