theatre dybbuk and Temple Israel of Hollywood present the world premier of exagoge, built around the first recorded Jewish play, written in the style of a Greek tragedy by Ezekiel the Poet in the 2nd Century B.C.E. Although only 269 lines of the original play exist, we have used these fragments as a jumping-off point for a full theatrical work, rich in movement, music and poetry. This little­known play serves as the inspiration to create a full performance piece which functions as both a play and a theatrical ritual, incorporating traditional classical masks, stylized movement and music.

Relating the ancient story to contemporary concerns, the experiences of refugees, immigrants, and the disenfranchised from the 19th Century to today are incorporated to highlight the inclusive nature of the Exodus narrative, as well as the ongoing crises of peoples fleeing oppression throughout the world. The Leimert Park Choir will provide the live musical vocabulary for the work, the voices of their young artists offering a glimpse into the future, where today’s children become tomorrow’s leaders and the ones who will carry on the lessons we have given them, hopefully for the better.

Join us for a unique world premiere of an ancient theatrical work.