The First Play To Explore The Aftermath Of October 7th - Miami New Drama Announces World Premiere Of Jonathan Spector’s Birthright

Spanning 18 years, Birthright follows six young American Jews who meet on a Birthright Israel trip in 2006, bound together by the intoxicating allure of connection—to each other, to heritage and to history. What begins as a transformative journey soon collides with reality as Social Media, shifting global politics and personal reckonings pull them apart. When the world is upended by the events of October 7th, 2023, their bonds fracture, leading to an explosive confrontation with identity, loyalty, history and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.

A Historic Theatrical Moment

With Birthright, Miami New Drama presents the first major stage production to grapple with the aftermath of October 7th—a moment that has reshaped Jewish identity, political discourse and generational divides. This landmark work reckons with the complexity of history, trauma and the shifting nature of belonging, offering a deeply human exploration of a world irrevocably altered.

“The horrific events of October 7th and the bloody wars that followed sent shockwaves across the globe, unleashing a surge of antisemitism and creating deep fractures within the Jewish community—dividing friends, families and generations. This play does not offer easy answers, but it dares to ask the hardest questions,” said Michel Hausmann, Artistic Director of Miami New Drama.

“When Michel asked me 18 months ago to write a play about the aftermath of October 7th, I initially declined, feeling that everything was already being said. But he persisted and I began speaking with American Jews across the political and religious spectrum,” said Jonathan Spector. “A common theme emerged: the deepening rifts among Jews, even among those once close. The fracture within the American Jewish community is the most severe in my lifetime, likely in its history. This play isn’t about Israel and Palestine but about the divisions within the American Jewish community in response to these events and the long path leading to this point.”

Director Teddy Bergman: "I'm humbled to be working on this singular new work at a groundbreaking theater like Miami New Drama with this incredible cast and team. One of Jonathan's extraordinary gifts is to put the world as many of us experience it right now onstage without reducing any of its complexities and contradictions. He has a kind of x-ray vision, seeing to the heart of what is happening to us today and presenting it with so much insight and compassion. This couldn't be truer of Birthright - a vital play for a fractious time."

About The Production

Commissioned as part of Miami New Drama’s YK6 Jewish Play Initiative, Birthright is the latest work from a playwright known for his incisive, thought-provoking storytelling. The YK6 Initiative, created in partnership with Wasserman Projects, is dedicated to commissioning and producing plays that elevate Jewish stories, histories and cultural discourse in the theatrical landscape.

Miami New Drama is committed to theater that reflects, responds to and shapes the world we live in. Hausmann adds, “We collaborate with the most daring and visionary theater artists of our time to engage with the most pressing contemporary issues. That’s why we are honored to be working with master theatre makers like Jonathan Spector, Director Teddy Bergman and this extraordinary cast, whose talent and insight bring this urgent story to life.”

This theatrical production is brought to life by the following powerhouse team of visionary artists:

An Award-Winning Creative Team:

• Playwright: Jonathan Spector (Eureka Day, Broadway; NYT Critic’s Pick)

• Director: Teddy Bergman (Urinetown, Encores!; KPOP, Broadway)

• Assistant To The Director: Emalie Belokon

• Intimacy Director: Jeni Hacker

• Lighting Design: Jeff Croiter

• Sound Designer/Composition: Salomon Lerner

• Costume Designer: Nicky Smith

• Assistant Costume Design: Yaya

• Wig Designer: Carol Raskin

• Projection Designer: Steven Royal

• Props Designer/Supervision: Jameelah Bailey

• Assistant Props Designer: Constanza Celsi

• Scenic Designer & Projections: Adam Koch Associates

• Stage Manager: Amy Rauchwerger

• Assistant Stage Manager: Jennifer Barnes Mathie

Cast of Birthright:

• Dani Stoller as Chaya, a woman in search of community.

• Krystal Millie Valdes as Alona, who is in search of home.

• Arielle Goldman as Izzy, who is in search of justice.

• Stephen Stocking as Noah, who is in search of understanding.

• Danny Capote as Emerson, who is in search of serenity.

• Hale Appleman as Lev, who is in search of meaning.

• Irene Adjan as Deborah, Chaya’s mother, who wonders—what’s with all the searching?

Performances of Birthright run April 3-27, 2025, at The Colony Theatre, located at 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139.

Tickets are available at: www.miaminewdrama.org - Or by calling: (305) 674-1040.