The Alliance Theatre and Writers Theatre are set to present the national tour of ‘THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD,’ an innovative, multi-sensory theatrical experience designed for children aged 0-5 and their families.
Currently showing to sold-out audiences in Atlanta from September 5 to October 26, the production will soon embark on a journey to Chicago and New York as part of an initiative to bring immersive Jewish storytelling to a wider audience, including both public venues and community spaces such as synagogues and classrooms.
Created and directed by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, the show is inspired by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen’s beloved book ‘The Birthday of the World.’ This performance tells a unique story about the birth of the world and highlights the importance of individuals coming together to fill it with light once more. Rooted in Jewish folklore, the immersive experience employs gentle storytelling, striking visuals, and sensory play to engage young audiences deeply.
“I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to share this piece with hundreds of children, families, and educators on a national tour, spreading the timely message of how we can mend our broken world by seeing the light in each other,” said creator and director Jonathan Shmidt Chapman.
Throughout the tour, the show will be integrated into Jewish early childhood programs across the Chicagoland area in collaboration with the Jewish United Fund (JUF) Chicago. Furthermore, it will be showcased at a national Jewish early childhood educator conference, where Chapman will offer a workshop on using sensory theater techniques in educational settings. Chapman expressed hope that the impact of ‘THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD’ will resonate with audiences long after the production concludes.
Families can look forward to experiencing this magical production at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois, with public performances scheduled for November 1 and 2. “We have long admired the brilliant and trailblazing work for young audiences that the Alliance Theatre has produced,” said Bobby Kennedy, Writers Theatre’s Director of Artistic Development.
Kennedy referred to ‘THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD’ as “a delightful gift of a show” and expressed excitement about bringing it to families on Chicago’s North Shore, where it is expected to be well-received.
Before its public performances at Writers Theatre, the production will embark on a tour of Jewish Early Childhood Centers across the Chicago area from October 27 to 31, facilitated by the JUF Artist-Educator Fellowship. This fellowship provides a hands-on professional development experience led by Chapman to help educators explore sensory theater as a means of enlivening Jewish stories in their classrooms.
The overall tour and related training initiatives are presented in collaboration with The K’ilu Company, receiving significant support from The Covenant Foundation.
Following its Chicago engagement, the production will make its way to Sleepy Hollow, New York, to be featured at the Paradigm Project’s National Jewish Early Childhood Conference. Over 200 early childhood educators and leaders from across the country will have the opportunity to witness the production, which serves as a model for innovative Jewish storytelling. Additionally, attendees will participate in a workshop led by Chapman on integrating sensory theater techniques into their educational practices, especially for animating Jewish children’s literature.
image source from：broadwayworld
