Reshaping Clay: Aviva Pearl Creation and Jael Scott - Season 4, Episode 6

On The Bimah: Spotlighting Jewish Theatre Artists

"Reshaping Clay" (Season 4, Episode 6) brings to the Bimah Aviva Pearl Creation and Jael Scott, the creative forces behind "Clay Mommy," a new play that reimagines the golem myth through a trans lens. Based in NYC, this writer-director duo discusses their production, where traditional Jewish storytelling meets contemporary trans narratives.

In this deep-diving conversation, Pearl and Scott share their vision behind casting an all-trans-femme ensemble and their creative decision to represent men in the show through puppetry. We explore how their production navigates complex themes of chosen family, motherhood, and spiritual transformation while honoring Jewish and trans experiences.

The episode illuminates how contemporary Jewish theater can evolve to embrace different voices while remaining rooted in passed down stories and cultural knowledge. Their self-described position as "little trunk rats of the New Age Borscht Belt" offers a fresh perspective on Jewish theater traditions.

"On the Bimah" continues to showcase the diversity and depth of contemporary Jewish theatre, guided by your host Danielle Levsky.

This podcast is an Alliance for Jewish Theatre program, produced by Danny Debner and Danielle Levsky. Our theme music is by Ilya Levinson and Alex Koffman.