Today, the National Yiddish Theater- Folksbiene (whose theater is currently located at Baruch College) puts on their own Yiddish theater performance for and by children called “Kids and Yiddish.”

The performance is made up of a cast of young adults and children. Ninety percent of the show is English while ten percent is in Yiddish. Like the earliest Yiddish performances (such as the purim shpeils), Kids and Yiddish uses music, humor and parody to connect with its audience. The production mixes Jewish folk traditions with pop-culture references.  The musical portions of the show are inspired by “everything from rock, rap, klezmer, calypso to Irving Berlin.” This wide spectrum of inspiration makes the performance an entertaining one for all ages.

Some of the songs included in past performances are:  Sounds of Lamed (Sounds of Silence), Silly Vov Songs (Silly Love Songs), and We Will Hock You (We Will Rock You)

The production is approaching its 15th season.

Kids and Yiddish posters publicize their goal of  “teaching Eastern European Jewish culture through inventive contemporary references that connect with today’s kids.”

 

Sources:

http://folksbiene.org/kids_n_yiddish_touring.html