Introduction

Story-telling has always been an integral part of Jewish life. Since the beginning of time, Jews have used story-telling as a means of imparting information to the community at large. The Oral Torah, the Haggadah and Purimshpile (rhymed paraphrases of the Book of Esther) are excellent examples of this means of integrated story-telling. Like the Italian Comedia dell'arte, Purimshpile evolved as a means of telling important historical (or religious) stories to the younger or less learned members of the community. ‘Plays' were performed in markets, on the streets and in private homes. The ‘scripts' were simple and direct and the excitement came in the different interpretations troupes of Purim Shpilers brought to each ‘performance'.

Since then, the evolution of a worldwide Yiddish theatre and the Jewish influence on the world of entertainment is well documented. One only has to look at the heroes of the Hollywood of yesteryear, and of today, to appreciate the Jewish contribution to arts and culture. Unfortunately, in South Africa there is little (if any) opportunity for the Jewish community to learn and appreciate Jewish arts and culture. There is nowhere where an emerging Jewish community can become involved in, or develop, an appreciation for Jewish plays, music and art - created and performed by Jewish artists. But with your help and financial assistance, this will change with the establishment of the Jewish Academy for Performing Arts and Culture (JAPAC) on the King David Victory Park campus.

Our Aim

JAPAC aims to establish a vibrant and sustainable Jewish cultural hub to inspire our youth to experience, appreciate and continue the exceptionally rich heritage that Jewish art, dance, must and theatre can offer. We want to create a platform where Jewish artists are able to perform and interact with the broader community. Through the Chai Project For The Continuity of Jewish Art and Culture, JAPAC will form a vehicle through which interaction will be possible not only with the Jewish community, but also with other communities around us. JAPAC will bridge the divide between yesterday and tomorrow through meaningful artistic expression.