Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

Winnipeg Jewish Theatre (WJT) is a prominent non-profit, professional theatre company in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, dedicated to presenting plays that explore and celebrate Jewish culture and experiences. Founded in 1987, WJT has become a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Winnipeg, marking its 35th anniversary during the 2022/2023 season. The theatre was established with the goal of keeping Jewish culture vibrant and accessible in the community. WJT began as a community theatre, initially producing two plays a year. However, its growth was rapid; by 1992, it had transitioned into a professional theatre company and became a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT). It operates under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, which is negotiated with the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. WJT's mission is to produce theatre that illuminates the vast Jewish experience to inspire dialogue about Jewish culture and intersectionality in the community at large. The company's vision is encapsulated in the phrase "The Jewish Experience The Human Experience On Stage," reflecting its commitment to presenting works that resonate with both Jewish and universal human themes. The values that guide WJT's work are ingenuity, vitality, curiosity, and community, aligning with the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, which means "repairing the world." Throughout its history, WJT has been under the leadership of several artistic directors, including founder Bev Aronovitch, followed by Kayla Gordon, Mariam Bernstein, Michael Nathanson, Ari Weinberg, and the current artistic director, Dan Petrenko. Under their guidance, WJT has produced a wide range of plays that have engaged and challenged audiences. The theatre has received recognition for its bold and impactful productions. In February 2011, The Globe and Mail acknowledged WJT as one of the gutsier theatre companies in Canada. At the inaugural Winnipeg Theatre Awards in 2017, WJT's production of "The Whipping Man" by Matthew Lopez won awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play (Ray Strachan) and Outstanding Design (Brian Perchaluk, Set; Scott Henderson, Lighting; Paul De Gurse, Sound). The production was also nominated for Outstanding Production. WJT is located at 148-123 Doncaster Street in Winnipeg and offers a range of services, including subscriptions, ticket sales, and outreach programs. The theatre acknowledges that it operates on Treaty One Land, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people and the homeland of the Metis Nation, and extends its gratitude to the Indigenous custodians of the land. The Winnipeg Jewish Theatre continues to engage the community with a dynamic range of productions and remains committed to its role as a platform for Jewish storytelling and cultural exchange.