No More Raisins, No More Almonds: Children’s Ghetto Songs is written by Holocaust survivor and educator Batia Bettman and directed by Bryna Wasserman, Artistic and Executive Director of the professional English Leanor and Alvin Segal Theatre and The Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre.

This hour-long play is based on songs written during the Holocaust about the experiences of children and teenagers in a ghetto of World War II Europe. It is presented in English with the songs in their original Yiddish. Translation is through English and French “supertitles”.

Impact
The play resonates with significance for the fate of the many youth facing racism, war or the threat of genocide in today’s world. No More Raisins, No More Almonds has sparked a new intercultural project. Part of Action Week Against Racism (AWAR), this play was presented many times since 2003 in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and Ottawa.

Post Performance Discussions
A skilled animator guides meaningful post-performance discussions between the students on stage and in the audience. Questions have ranged from personal experiences of racism or human rights abuses to historical questions and the face of genocide today. Students can participate in the discussion in either English or French.

The Cast
Over 40 students from Bialik High School, Montreal and the YAYA Workshop.

Professional Creative Team
Playwright: Batia Bettman
Director: Bryna Wasserman
Assistant Director: Michelle Heisler*
Musical Director and Band Leader: Nick Burgess
Choreographer: Paula Wolfman Frank
Set and Props Designer:
  François-Pierre Couture (2003-2004 production)
  Gisela D. Sleizer (2006 production)
  Louis Fredette (adaptation for 2007 production)
Costume Designer: Kerri Strobl
Lighting Designer: Jacques-Olivier Dupuis
Sound Designer: Rob Denton
Technical Director: Rob Denton
Production Manager: Paul Brian Imperial

*Michelle Heisler is involved with the special permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

Sponsors: We extend our grateful appreciation to all our sponsors and supporters.