To understand what the Jewish Women’s Theater is about, we need to go back to 2002, when one of the only theater company’s featuring Jewish female writers closed – leaving a vacuum that remained for a few years while the idea of starting a new group began to form and grow. Finally, in 2007, a group of like-minded and committed Jewish women met for the first time to decide what to do about this obvious empty space which needed to be filled

Cast of “Unknown Stories of Biblical Proportions” (Photo by Jan Burns)

Enter the nascent plans which blossomed into the first JWT show in 2008 in Pacific Palisades, a suburb of Los Angeles. As Artistic Director/Producer Ronda Spinak enthusiastically summarized: “We made our debut in the backyard of a house, and we invited all of our friends… this ‘at-home-story-salon’ sold out, and we also sold out our subscriptions to the first season.” A small beginning in a private home – the salon-concept so imbedded in Jewish tradition – where a circle of friends participated in presentations cobbled together from ancient Biblical tales and themes into Jewish life and values in the modern era.

Immediately successful as a forum of Jewish talent, the “salon theatre” attracted a cadre of passionate followers and began to move into larger venues – synagogues, auditoriums, small theaters. And JWT found that the larger the stage, the bigger the audience. When JWT performed in the 92nd Street Y in New York City, they had an audience of 820 people. Quite a change from a dozen or so ensconced in a living room.

Lisa Robins as the mother in Lisa Rosenbaum’s piece. (Photo by Jan Burns)

As the word spread, JWT recruited a variety of talented female writers and actors. In her presentation, Not That Jewish, Monica Piper so aptly reflected on the “Jewish Heart,” which opened and enfolded its audiences, helping them to laugh, cry, and share poignant moments in their common experience. The meaningful deeds, compassion, and humor in each of the presentations touched individual audience members in a way that was personal and yet universal. Stories of a woman raising a daughter without her mother around to offer support and advice; a young girl going away to college, her first time away from home; a spiritual woman seeking a religious divorce; the tender moments that inspired a comic’s life – each of these and many other themes left a deep and lasting impression on the people seeing them.

Finally, in 2013, JWT decided that it was time to find a more permanent venue to accommodate their growing audiences and their expansion from just “story salon theatre” in homes to presenting fully realized productions, art exhibits, workshops, and classes. After a year of exploration, JWT leased The Braid, a large multi-use space at 2912 Colorado Avenue, Suite 102, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Their first presentation, Not That Jewish, previewed to full houses in 2014 and was later scheduled for a six week run with a “press opening” in 2015. While they now have a “real” theater of their own, they still retain their “salon” quality with rows of folding chairs and a slightly elevated stage. They remain close to their audiences, who seem more like participants than viewers.

One of JWT’s at-home Salons (Photo by Jan Burns)

Furthermore, JWT is now looking into expanding not only their space but also their artistic talents. While they initially were focused on female Jewish writers and actors, the universality of their presentations has resonated with non-Jewish audiences. JWT now actively pursues pieces by male and female writers and actors. In keeping with their goal of tolerance, they are also branching out to other ethnic and religious groups. In the recent past, they featured works by Catholics and Palestinians. At this time, they are reviewing submissions based on the Latino experience. JWT is proud that they review every single offering given to them in order to enrich and enhance their live theater. JWT is growing, and their influence in the arts is also growing. At the same time, they retain the warmth, humor, and compassion of personal experience.

JWT’s current offerings include art exhibits, along with the world premiere production of Monica Piper’s Not That Jewish. It runs at 8pm all Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30pm all Sundays (except May 10th), and 2pm all Sunday matinees through May 31, 2015. The Braid – 2912 Colorado Ave. #102, Santa Monica, CA 90404. Tickets are $35. Reservations: (310) 315-1400 or www.jewishwomenstheatre.org