Leeds, UK
ALL SYSTEMS GO AS 100 VOLUNTEERS SIGN UP
David Saffer, Jewish Telegraph, 27th July 2007
WITH five weeks to go, tickets are being snapped up for the seventh Leeds Jewish Performing Arts Festival.
Around 100 volunteers have signed up to help pull the extravaganza together.
But more are needed to join the backstage team - specifically those with theatre, technical or performing arts experience.
In addition, drivers are needed to escort performers to the Carriageworks Theatre (September 2-6).
The festival is the biggest event in the annual Jewish calendar.
The Jewish Telegraph is highlighting shows in the run-up to the festival.
This week is the turn of Red Card Theatre with the hard-hitting production Denial, comedian Joel Chasnoff and three virtuosos who come together for a classical feast of music.
British-based Red Card Theatre presents a thought-provoking drama in Denial.
The play is both a commemoration and a warning.
Thousands of visitors go to Auschwitz every year, including survivors, relatives of the victims and those who wish to learn more.
Disturbingly, other visitors have different motives - including far-right parties.
Denial explores the motives of those from the far-right who regard Auschwitz as a place of pilgrimage while at the same time seeking to deny the Holocaust.
Superbly executed by professional actors, Denial contains some strong language, although most will find the depiction of Holocaust denial a greater source of offence.
Denial is on Tuesday September 4 (7pm), and Wednesday, September 5 (9pm).
Nothing unites a room full of people like laughter and Joel Chasnoff will certainly bring joy to his audiences.
His young, slick and innovative approach to stand-up comedy has humoured Israeli prime ministers, US Marines and Jewish audiences throughout North America and Europe.
Chasnoff pokes fun at his time in the Israeli Defence Forces when he served on the Golan Heights and in south Lebanon, recollections of his family Shabbat dinners and years at a New York Jewish day school.
Joel is developing a reputation as one of New York's top comics.
Smart and witty, stereotypes have no place as Chasnoff takes on head first politics, technology, toilet training, relationships and the warped way in which Americans see themselves in the world today.
A unique brand of positive Jewish humour makes Chasnoff a firm favourite in the Jewish world and leaves the audience asking for more.
Appearing at a number of the world's biggest comedy venues, when not touring, he performs in local New York comedy.
Chasnoff appears in a double bill with Matt Winter on Sunday, September 2 (8.30pm), and solo on Wednesday, September 5 (9pm).
In contrast, three maestros are sure to impress during a classical feast of romantic and classical music.
Performing the cr?me de la cr?me of Brahms and Glinka are Benjamin Frith, a lifetime pupil of local favourite Dame Fanny Waterman, renowned Israeli cellist Sagi Hartov and clarinettist Melissa Brice.
Frith and Hartov are no strangers to the festival.
Both earned standing ovations with previous recitals and this time they are sure to astound alongside talented Brice.
Joining them, Brice - having graduated from the Royal Academy of Music - has gone on to perform all over the world.
Her audiences have included Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
She has also backed Sir Elton John in concert at the Royal Opera House.
The trio perform a Classical Feast on Tuesday, September 4 (9pm)
Anyone wishing to volunteer should phone Eli at Makor 0113 2682899.