Local Playwright Excited For Their Play 18 Jews Order Chinese Food On Persephone’s Main Stage

Saskatoon, SK – One local playwright is seeing their dream come true this winter, with their play becoming a reality.

18 Jews Order Chinese Food, by Saskatoon playwright Jenna “JB” Berenbaum, will have its world premiere on the Persephone Main Stage February 5-16, 2025.

Berenbaum first came up with the idea 10 years ago. They initially wrote a 10-minute version of the play in 2021 for the Short Cuts Festival. It then expanded into an hour-long play as part of First Monday, a partnership between Sum Theatre and Persephone Theatre, before being extended into a two-hour version with the support of the Saskatoon Jewish community. The script then had a refinement workshop last spring with Persephone Theatre, working towards this premiere production.

“The full two-act play would not be possible without the endless support of the community” Berenbaum said. “It is such a gift to see the actors walk around the set and say my words. It feels like I am stepping back in time and watching my family.”

Although the play deals with the death of a family member, Berenbaum explained it is “a comedy about finding your way within your family while navigating grief, joy and each other,” and is inspired by their own family.

“In 2015, I attended my Great Uncle’s funeral,” Berenbaum explained. “We all piled into my Great Aunt’s apartment to order Chinese food before his funeral. Chaos ensued and I thought, ‘I have to write a play about this.’”

As a local playwright, Berenbaum is proud to have the opportunity to see their play on stage and hopes other local playwrights will get the same opportunity.

“It is a bold move to support local playwrights at this level and I hope the city continues to do so,” they said. “We have so much talent right here in Saskatoon. I feel honoured that I am able to showcase my work to a community that has been by my side since the beginning of my career.”

Berenbaum said the title of the play holds significance for the Jewish community.

“Eighteen is a special number in Judaism representing the Hebrew word “chai” which means life,” they explained. “It is considered lucky and often gifts are given in denominations of 18. It was also the main inspiration of the play – 18 Jews were trying to order Chinese food and it was way too comical and frustrating to not be shared with the world.”

Although the play is about a Jewish family, Berenbaum said anyone will be able to relate to it.

“The play is really about people being and existing and navigating with their families regardless of cultural background,” they said. “I hope people see themselves reflected in the story regardless of where they came from … The focus is on family connection and navigating grief with those around you. Anyone can relate, being Jewish is a secondary focus.”

They encourage anyone who hasn’t bought their tickets to get them now.

“It is a fun play with touching, moving moments and quick-paced witty dialogue,” Berenbaum said. “The set is also brilliant and has its own secrets that you’re going to have to come to see.”

Tickets are available at tickets.persephonetheatre.org or by calling the box office at 306-384-7727.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jodi Schellenberg, Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected] | 306-384-2126 ext 237

Additional Information:
Cast: Aviva Armour-Ostroff, Lisa Bayliss, Miranda Hughes-McKnight, Brian Linds, Katie Moore and Andrew Taylor.
Creative Team: Jenna Berenbaum, Playwright; Joel Berenbaum, Director; Grahame Kent, Assistant Director; Carla Orosz, Set Designer; Cody Brayshaw, Apprentice Set Designer; Jensine Emeline, Costume Designer; Nathan Bruce, Lighting Designer; Clinton Ackerman, Sound Designer; Alana Friestadt, Stage Manager; Aaron Shingoose, Assistant Stage Manager; Sam Fairweather, Apprentice Stage Manager; Yvette Nolan, Dramaturg.

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