An Olive on the Seder Plate

a spiel about security in the land of milk and honey

Times Square Arts Center
300 W 43rd St, NYC
(corner 8th Ave & 43rd St)

An Olive on the Seder Plate is a multimedia performance about how American Jews wrestle with the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.

The show presents history, humor, politics and Midrash through a collection of Jewish voices. The production aims to speak to a wide spectrum of audience members, and addresses the realities of anti-Semitism.

An Olive on the Seder Plate is a collaboration between over a dozen Jewish musicians, performers, and artists. The play doesn't end when the cast takes their final bows, but continues with a post-performance dialogue.

An Olive on the Seder Plate is a creative, innovative contribution to ongoing peace and justice work within Jewish communities and beyond. Please consider hosting us at your Jewish camp or retreat in Summer 2007!

Make a Donation

Performance art helps us discuss complex and difficult topics. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to this venue for much-needed community dialogue.

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Praise for An Olive on the Seder Plate

“The play is wonderful… you should know that we have been chatting about it all week… The staging, the music, the concepts all served to educate and enlighten us, even those of us who do not necessarily share your point of view. I think what impressed me the most was your courage and honesty in bringing very difficult issues into an open forum. Kol Ha Kavod!”
—Jan P., Kingston, PA
“…historically educational, emotionally moving, artistically impressive and a powerful call to action.”
—Charlotte C., Northampton, MA
“As a Palestinian Muslim American who’s been doing a lot of interfaith and community arts work, I wanted to tell you that the show was phenomenal! It was so funny, yet compelling and heart-wrenching. It portrayed so much of what is going on both sides of the situation, and was done so very efficiently. Pretty much showing much of what's plaguing each side. And it was done artistically and professionally considering the small venue. We honestly did not expect it to be so good. It made us laugh and cry, but we laughed way more!”
—Adab N., Philadelphia, PA
“Talent, humor, grief, heartbreak, love and power.
Thank you.”
—Amy M., Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
“As an Arab who experienced Qana, this was humbling… You’ve helped me to understand with compassion the Jewish experience and your love for Israel. I will spread the word amongst the Lebanese, Palestinians, and Jordanians in New York.”
—Natalie B., New York, NY
“One of the most powerful, moving, and informative plays that I have ever seen.”
—Lauren G., New York, NY
“I saw it in a packed house and it gripped everyone, evoking a wide range of reactions. But it got people thinking and talking and after the show, some of the cast and directors came out and led a discussion. It's a really good catalyst for dialogue. I hope we take advantage of this theatrical opportunity. My experience has been that many people respond to political work AFTER being cracked open by an artistic experience.”
—Carolyn O., Northampton, MA
“You made me BELIEVE in political art in ways I haven't for a while, and I thank you for it.”
—Cole K., New York, NY