TJAA MEMBER NEWS
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Sh’ma
A new dance film and educational initiative by Dr. Suki John Sh’ma: A Story of Survival, a moving and innovative dance film, chronicles the journey of the director’s mother from school days to deportation, concentration camp to liberation, and finally immigration to the US. Sh’ma features a remarkable ensemble of 15 virtuoso performers, a haunting original score, stunning choreography, and timeless design. |
Sh’ma: A Story of Survival celebrates resilience, connection, and hope. Director and choreographer Dr. Suki John tells the story of her mother and family during the Shoah, weaving together the emotive languages of dance, music, and film. Originally a live choreodrama performed in the former Yugoslavia and New York City, Sh’ma has been redesigned for the screen, shot by three gifted dance cinematographers. The cameras move skillfully between performers, giving viewers a sense of immersion in the action.
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The film has been shown to invited audiences at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - a Living Memorial to the Holocaust in New York City, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas, where it was made. It has been nominated by 10 film festivals and awarded Best Experimental film by the New York Independent Cinema Awards. It was shown recently by the Miami Jewish Film Festival, and to a full house at the Santa Fe Jewish Film Festival. The filmmakers are currently exploring distribution and streaming options.
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In February The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate, will begin a pilot project in Texas high schools. It will introduce a shortened version of the film, Upstander Workshops and free educational materials as part of a three-part Holocaust and Human Rights arts and education initiative.
“The international resurgence of fascism and antisemitism spurred me to re-envision Sh’ma as a film. We took the iconography and costumes out of the past in order to create a ‘timeless’ look,” said Dr. Suki John. “The reasoning is that audiences—young people especially—will be less likely to dismiss the story as familiar old tropes, something that happened long ago and far away. It is my hope that they will allow the languages of emotion to affect them in ways that words cannot.”
More information, screeners, and interviews are available.
Please visit theshmaproject.com
For more info, contact Richard Laermer at [email protected].
“The international resurgence of fascism and antisemitism spurred me to re-envision Sh’ma as a film. We took the iconography and costumes out of the past in order to create a ‘timeless’ look,” said Dr. Suki John. “The reasoning is that audiences—young people especially—will be less likely to dismiss the story as familiar old tropes, something that happened long ago and far away. It is my hope that they will allow the languages of emotion to affect them in ways that words cannot.”
More information, screeners, and interviews are available.
Please visit theshmaproject.com
For more info, contact Richard Laermer at [email protected].
Meet Jordan Taub
We were lucky to catch up with Jordan Taub recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?The WHY behind my mission is a drive to build community and foster growing creativity within adults. We so often transition from the classroom and enter the work force, leaving such little time for creative pursuits. I’m a believer in that we never stop evolving and learning. It has always been my passion to facilitate a safe space for people to come and be their most authentic selves through artistic expression.
Jordan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?The WHY behind my mission is a drive to build community and foster growing creativity within adults. We so often transition from the classroom and enter the work force, leaving such little time for creative pursuits. I’m a believer in that we never stop evolving and learning. It has always been my passion to facilitate a safe space for people to come and be their most authentic selves through artistic expression.
Meet Becky Reichman
We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Becky Reichman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Becky below.
Becky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
I’ve always loved fabric hair bows. So, of course my daughter Natalie had to have one for every outfit! I decided it would be best if I learned how to make them myself (so I wouldn’t go totally broke).
Becky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
I’ve always loved fabric hair bows. So, of course my daughter Natalie had to have one for every outfit! I decided it would be best if I learned how to make them myself (so I wouldn’t go totally broke).
DR. SUKI JOHN - THE SH'MA PROJECT
Dr. Suki John, TJAA Director of Dance and creator and choreographer of The Sh'ma Project, was recently interviewed by NBC 5 Talk Street. Check it out using the link below:
ALEXANDRA FARBER LIGHT
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i just premiered my fourth presentation of dance at the Modern Art Museum (titled Mimicry) as well as took part in an online international residency, BONFIRE.
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Marc Dominus
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"After 4 years of painting relentlessly I am so happy to share with you that I am having a solo show at Kettle Art Gallery located in Deep Ellum Dallas. Kettle has been a thriving home for emerging artists in North Texas for many years and I am honored to be a part of that community."
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TJAA Member Alexandra Light performs at
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
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Don't miss this special performance!
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A Sneak Peek of Sh’ma.
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The Sh'ma Project had a big red carpet viewing at the Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth on March 6, 2023. The Red Carpet and a receptive group were invited to view the film Sh’ma.
Dr. Suki John, Texas Christian University Professor of Classical & Contemporary Dance, has developed her choreodrama, Sh’ma, into a proactive educational movement called The Sh’ma Project. 
The Texas Jewish Arts Association's President, Kim Kort, Vice President, Monica Daucourt, Dov Hazan, and board member Marc Dominus all attended this wonderful event.
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Gail Sachson - SMU Gallery Hopping Classes
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Gail Sachson's SMU GALLERY HOPPING CLASSES are NOW VIRTUAL AND LIVE , offering different itineraries.
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Kenna Boles Prior
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TJAA member Kenna Boles Prior will be at the
Printaustin.org PrintAustin Collective, an artist-led nonprofit, works with local venues and artists to showcase traditional and contemporary approaches in printmaking. Annual Month long event
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