The Forward asked David Serero to write a reflection on his Moroccan interpretation of Othello, which is running now through 30 June at The Center for Jewish History. Combining Shakespeare’s original with musical selections from Verdi’s opera as well as Judeo-Arabic songs, Serero proudly asserts that: “For the first time we will return ... [Othello] to its roots, back to Morocco.” Serero’s production is likewise informed by his fascination with the main character: “I love [Othello’s] rage. You can feel the blood boiling in his veins; he is a man given to excess in everything, whether in his anger or with his love.”
Othello Poster, The Center for Jewish History, New York City
The Iraqi city of al-Qosh is a mere 30 miles north of ISIS. But in stunning contrast to the savage intolerance of the Islamic State, Assyrian Christians, Kurdish Muslims and, until the middle of the 20th century, Iraqi Jews would all make pilgrimage to al-Qosh in order to visit the traditional grave of Nahum, the Biblical prophet. Kurdish Jews even had a saying: “Those who have not made the pilgrimage to Nahum’s tomb have not yet known real pleasure!” Today, however, not even the purported remains are housed at the shrine.
A piece of pottery discovered in Spain and dating back to the 13th century depicts a bearded Jewish man wearing a frilled gown. The find is particularly valuable because: “Researchers have very few depictions of Spanish Jews from the period, with the majority of illustrations being miniature sketches on prayer books, including ones used by Christians.”
A pottery fragment discovered in Teruel depicting a Jewish man. (Photo courtesy of Sefarad)
June 26th, 28th, and 30th Center for Jewish History
15 West 16th Street
New York City
ASF’s theatrical season (Merchant of Venice, Nabucco) concludes with David Serero’s Othello, a Moroccan adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play about love and war, reason and race, fortuna and virtù. The production features Serero (as Othello), a diverse cast, and traditional music.
April 7th through September 9th Center for Jewish History 15 West 16th Street
New York City
The American Sephardi Federation, Portuguese Consulate of New York, the Sousa Mendes Foundation, and the Municipality of Almeida, Portugal proudly present a new exhibition in the Leon Levy Gallery honoring Aristides de Sousa Mendes, the courageous and creative Portuguese diplomat who saved Salvador Dali, the authors of Curious George, and thousands of other Holocaust refugees.
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The American Sephardi Federation's Sephardi House is located at the Center for Jewish History (15 West 16th St., New York, New York, 10011).