Shrapnel garners five Green Room Award nominations
'Kadimah Yiddish Theatre are thrilled that once again the work we have put out into the wider public has been honoured and recognised by the wider industry for its outstanding quality'
Kadimah Yiddish Theatre (KYT), part of Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library, continues its impressive streak of critical acclaim with its one-woman show Shrapnel receiving five nominations for the prestigious 42nd Green Room Awards in the Cabaret Category.
The nominations include Outstanding Production, Outstanding Artist for Natalie Gamsu, Outstanding Direction for Stephen Nicolazzo, Outstanding Writing for Natalie Gamsu and Ash Flanders, and Outstanding Musical Direction for Natalie Gamsu and Mark Jones.
Shrapnel, performed at Melbourne’s 45 Downstairs in June 2024, chronicles Gamsu’s personal journey from growing up in a Jewish family in Namibia, South Africa during apartheid through her artistic career and eventual migration to Australia. The autobiographical work blends powerful storytelling with musical performance to create an intimate exploration of identity, displacement, and resilience.
This latest recognition follows KYT’s remarkable success at the 40th Green Room Awards in 2023, where their production of Yentl received nine nominations and secured four wins: Outstanding Writing (Gary Abrahams, Elise Hearst, Galit Klass), Outstanding Performance (Jana Zvedeniuk), Outstanding Set Design (Dann Barber), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Rachel Burke).
Additionally, the Sydney Opera House season of Yentl won Best Costume Design (Dann Barber) at the recent Sydney Theatre Awards.
Gary Abrahams, Executive Director of Kadimah Yiddish Theatre, expressed his delight at the continued industry recognition.
“Kadimah Yiddish Theatre are thrilled that once again the work we have put out into the wider public has been honoured and recognised by the wider industry for its outstanding quality,” said Abrahams. “This marks the fourth year that a KYT production will be honoured at Melbourne’s prestigious theatre industry awards.”
The consistent critical acclaim highlights KYT’s growing reputation as a producer of exceptional theatrical works. Under Abrahams’ and Evelyn Krape’s leadership, the company has strategically positioned itself as a cultural bridge, presenting distinctly Jewish stories with universal themes and contemporary relevance.
“Our mission at KYT is to create first-class live performance works in order to share stories that are universal, relevant and prescient, told through a quintessentially Yiddish lens, while entertaining, inspiring and enlightening an inclusive and wide-ranging audience base,” Abrahams explained.
The success of Shrapnel represents another significant milestone for KYT as it continues to expand its artistic footprint in the Australian cultural landscape. The company has successfully transcended traditional boundaries, attracting diverse audiences while maintaining its commitment to championing Yiddish language and culture.
“As a growing company, it is extremely satisfying that our brand is becoming synonymous with outstanding cabaret and theatre,” Abrahams noted.
The 42nd Green Room Awards ceremony date has yet to be announced.
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