Diana Arnold in Monologues

Monologues, an evening of solo performances of monologues, spoken word and hip-hop, explores Jewish identity inspired by a 10-day trip through Israel. It is directed by the Hebrew Mamita (Vanessa Hidary) and written by Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni. All of the stories are original and told by their creators.

Diana told me about this video: "This was one of the first times I told a story instead of reading a poem. it is the story of the steps: the steps we all must climb...the steps it took for me to reach my father again."

Win Tickets to see "Monologues

Win Tickets to see "Monologues"

In the Birthright Israel NEXT show, Monologues, Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni bring their experiences to the stage in a collection of monologues, spoken word and hip-hop performances that explore personal Jewish identity inspired by a 10-day trip in Israel. The show originally premiered in November 2007, and continues its fourth New York City run at the Triad Theater. It is directed by Vanessa Hidary, a.k.a. The Hebrew Mamita, from HBO's Def Poetry Jam.

They are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the show for two lucky readers: one for the March 31st show and one for April 1st. All you have to do is leave a comment with your name, e-mail, which date you can attend (either March 31 or April 1) and why you think this show is cool. Winners will be selected Sunday, March 29th and will be notified by e-mail.

For those who don't win, Monologues is offering special $5 tickets for Mike's Writing Workshop readers.

For tickets, schedule, video and more info, check out http://www.birthrightisrael.com/monologues.

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Monologues
The Triad Theatre
158 W. 72nd St., 2nd Fl.
Between Columbus and B'way

March 31
April 1, 29, 30
Doors Open at 7:30 PM
Show Begins at 8pm

$10 in advance
$15 at the door

Last Videos from "Monologues"

Monologues - Greg Aguele



Monologues - Diana Arnold



Monologues - Lauren Eisenberg



Monologues - Valerie Issembert



Monologues – Max!m!l

More From "Monologues"

Monologues - Lindsay Arienne Weiner



Monologues - Daliya Karnovsky



Monologues - Yael Miriam



Monologues - Ruby Marez



Monologues - Ilya Khodosh

From "Monologues"

Monologues - Ruvym Gilman



Monologues - Farrah Fidler



Monologues - Boris Zilberman



Monologues - Jessica Asch

"Monologues"

So there I was, after watching over an hour of something called “Monologues,” about the search for Jewish identity, weeping—this hardcore journalist of 30 years-plus gushing tears uncontrollably.

In fact, it took everything I had to keep from going soft in the knees and collapsing straight to the floor of The Triad Theatre on West 72nd Street.

That’s how moved I was.

That’s how blown away I was.

That’s how good this show was.

Monolgues, quite simply, consists of a bunch of reflections by 20-something Jewish-Americans who had made first-time trips through Israel for 10 days, sponsored by a group called Taglit-Birthright Israel.

When my new Facebook friend, Farrah Fidler, who's also one of the performers, invited me to attend on Wednesday night, I was convinced I’d be bored to death.

Still, I went—out of support for Farrah, though pretty certain the thing would suck and I’d have to tell Farrah the next day, lying through my teeth, how much I loved it.

And, of course, her.

That never happened.

From the moment the show began, with everything inside me ready to resist, with me having already schemed a quick and quiet exit, I found myself instead pulled right in, and through 12 monologues—soulful and poignant and witty—capped by a rousing close of a rap song, it never let me go.

I laughed out loud. I nodded my head enough times to pull a neck muscle. I got goosebumps. I smiled. I chuckled. And, during each five-minute monologue, at some point, I broke down.

The words were so beautifully crafted, so powerful, so human; the performances all honed to brilliant gems.

I can’t thank all the performers enough for such an unforgettable night: Farrah and Diana Arnold and Jessica Asch and Ruvym Gilman and Greg Aguele and Ilya Khodosh and Ruby Marez and Daliya Karnovsky and Boris Zilberman and Shawn Shafner and Yael Miriam and Lindsay Arienne Weiner and Max!M!l

Your talent awes me, inspires me.

And thanks to director/Def Poet Vanessa Hidary (“The Hebrew Mamita”) and producer Lauren Eisenberg.

You should all be so proud of what you created.

Something truly special.

What a rare thing.

Here are a couple of teaser videos:






Over the next few days, I'll begin posting videos of the complete performances.