The Witches of Lublin
AUDIO: AUDIBLE
Artwork by Ilene Winn-Lederer
The Witches of Lublin
A musical audio drama
by Ellen Kushner, Elizabeth Schwartz & Yale Strom
with music by Yale Strom
Directed & Produced by Sue Zizza
A feminist historical musical magical realist audio drama! Featuring haunting vocals and an original high energy klezmer score by Yale Strom, The Witches of Lublin, offers a glimpse into the lost Jewish women's lives of 18th century Eastern Europe.While they prepare for Passover, Rivke and her daughters face a powerful Polish count, his love-struck son, and struggles for survival. When music and love prove not enough, only the unthinkable can save them.
The Witches of Lublin was a Passover Holiday Special that aired on public radio stations around the country in Spring of 2011. It it now available in a Collectors’ Edition as an audiobook with bonus recording “The Devil’s Brides,” music inspired by the audio drama by Yale Strom.
The Witches of Lublin stars the extraordinary Tovah Feldshuh (Yentl, Golda's Balcony) as Rivke, and features Simon Jones (Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy), Barbara Rosenblat (Orange is the New Black), and a cast of New York's finest audio actors, with music by leading klezmer musicians.
The Artwork of Lublin by Ilene Winn-Lederer
Given my love of stories, particularly those that allow me to revisit my family history and related cultures, the opportunity to create an image for The Witches of Lublin radio play was an offer too tasty to refuse.
Like Yiddish, which is an amalgam of languages from the many lands Jews have called home, this illustration felt like a puzzle that wouldn't let me rest until I had found all the pieces. All the details required are too numerous to list here, but I can share a few.
As I read the script, the characters seemed to speak their own lines and finding their faces and costumes soon followed. Since the story is set in Poland, the gate of Lublin castle with its medieval ambience was the obvious choice for the setting, as was the antique map of Lublin. While the map supports the image, it is framed by borders of lace, an important domestic staple in Poland for centuries. Lacemaking skills were passed down through generations of women, which made the inclusion of this motif essential. Finally, the music notation collage which informs the sky is Yiddish sheet music, altogether fitting with this story of strong women who sing from their hearts.
“I love the meticulous, evocative layering of voice and effects . . .[T]extured and touching work from a great cast.”
David Cote, Time Out New York
“A first-rate production about culture and women, music and storytelling, magic and spirituality, the love between a family, and the love between two young people. It’s beautiful and haunting — a heartbreaker of audio drama, jam packed with amazing music and sound effects — but all of that goes toward enhancing the story, not detracting from it. This is in no small part to the performances — particularly Tovah Feldshuh as Rivke…. The rest of the cast does a great job supporting Feldshuh. As Sofia, Elizabeth Boskey’s stunning voice captures innocence, idealism, and naivete. Simon Jones gives real menace and privilege to Graf Sobiesky.”
Dave Thompson, “Music Bridging our Profane World to the Holiness of the World to Come,”
The AudioBookaneers
Awards
2012 Wilbur Award: Best Single Program, Radio
2012 Gracie Award: Best Director
2012 Gabriel Award: Arts, Local Release, Radio
Audie Awards Finalist:
Distinguished Achievement in Production
Best Original Work
Best Package Design